Jordan Reeves Civil War Timeline

Fugitive Slave Act

1850

Proslavery forces held the alleged fugitives were not entitled to a trial. Anyone convicted of helping runaway slaves would be punished.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

May 30, 1854

Established sovereignty, (the right for citizens to vote for slavery) in the new territory.

Dred Scott Case

1857

Case held that being on free land, did not make a slave free. Appeared to permit and even guarantee the expansion of slavery.

Raid at Harpers Ferry

Oct 18, 1859

Attempt to ignite a general slave uprising. Led by John Brown. US Marines captured Brown, found him guilty of murder and treason and was executed.

Election of Abraham Lincoln

1860

Republican nominee Abraham Lincoln defeats John C. Breckinridge.

South Carolina seceded from the Union

Dec 20, 1860

Convinced that a Republican administration would attempt to undermine slavery by appointing antislavery judges, postmasters, military officers and other officials, South Carolina voted unanimously voted to leave the Union.

Civil War Begins

Apr 12, 1861

The war began when the Confederates bombarded Union soldiers at Fort Sumter.

Battle at Fredricksburg

1862

Confederacy defeats the Union. South looks too tough to beat.

Battle at Chancellorsville

1863

Condefreacy defeats the Union, but Stonewall Jackson is shot and killed.

Battle at Gettysburg

Jul 3, 1863

Union wins. Lee and the confederacy is pushed back to Virginia.

Battle at Vicksburg

Jul 4, 1863

Union wins and gains control of Mississippi River.

Battle at Atlanta

1864

Union wins and major Confederate city (Atlanta) is destroyed.

Confederates Surrender

Apr 9, 1865

Robert E Lee and the confederates surrender to the Union at Appomattox Court House.

14th Amendment Was Passed

Jul 28, 1868

Equal protection was granted to former slaves and they were considered citizens if they were born in the United States.