Major Events of the Civil War

South Carolina Secedes

Apr 26, 1852

The people of South Carolina assembled and they declared that the frequent violations of the Constitution of the United States by the Government. But in deference to the opinions and wishes of the other slaveholding States. This made people want to keep slaves making its new act for slavery as it wanted to be the same as the rest of the world. “The Declaration of Causes of Seceding States.”

Lincoln Elected

Nov 6, 1860

Debating with Douglas he gained a national reputation that won him the Republican nomination for President. As President he built the Republicans into a strong organization. As well as he rallied most of the northern Democrats into the Union cause. “Abraham Lincoln.”

Confederation Formed

Feb 4, 1861

Representatives from the six slave states met in Montgomery, Alabama to establish a government. Which they named the Confederate States of America. Jefferson Davis of Mississippi was elected the Confederacy’s first president. “States Meet to Form Confederacy.”

Civil War Begins

Apr 12, 1861

The event that triggered war came at Fort Sumter in Charleston Bay.
The Confederate army opened fire on the federal garrison and forced it to lower the American flag in surrender. This lead to four more slave states joining in the Confederacy. “A Brief Overview of the American Civil War.”

First Bull run Battle

Jul 21, 1861

Bull Run was the first full battle of the Civil War. The fierce fight forced both the North and South to face off. After this defeat for the Union Irvin McDowell the commander of the Army of Northeastern Virginia was replaced by George B. “Bull Run.”

Naval Battles: Monitor and Merrimack

Mar 8, 1862

The Battle of Hampton Roads was the first fight of ironclad warships during the Civil War. It was fought between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. Neither side could claim victory. “Hampton Roads.”

Battle of Shiloh

Apr 6, 1862

The South’s defeat at Shiloh ended the Confederacy’s hopes of stopping the Union from advancing into Mississippi and doomed the Confederate military in the West. With the loss of their commander Albert Sidney the Confederate morale plummeted. “Shiloh.”

Second Battle of Bull Run

Aug 28, 1862

The Union was defeated and the army was driven back to Bull Run. Only an effective Union action prevented a replay of the First Manassas disaster. Second Manassas was the deciding battle in the Civil War between Union and Confederate armies in northern Virginia. “Second Manassas.”

Battle of Antietam

Sep 16, 1862

The deadliest one day battle in American military history. It showed that the Union could stand against the Confederate army. It also gave President Abraham Lincoln the confidence to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. “Antietam.”

Emancipation Proclamation

Sep 22, 1862

Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation first. Then the Southern states did not cease their rebellion making the Proclamation go into effect. When the Confederacy did not stop Lincoln from issuing the final Emancipation Proclamation. “10 Facts: The Emancipation Proclamation.”

Siege of Vicksburg

May 18, 1863

The Mississippi River was a high supplies and communication way to the south. As the Union won they took the Mississippi River. Giving them a major advantage to the war. “Vicksburg.”

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

The Battle of Gettysburg stated around the town of Gettysburg Pennsylvania. Righty next to the Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. “Gettysburg.”

Reconstruction of the South

Period: Dec 8, 1863 to Mar 31, 1887

After the Civil War there were 4 million freed people. Congress passed the Freedmen’s Bureau and Civil Rights Bills and sent them to Johnson for his signature. “ Reconstruction.”

Lincoln Re-elected

Nov 8, 1864

President Abraham Lincoln is re-elected and his victory in the election was anything but won earlier in the year. The Union's strategic advantages won them victories at Gettysburg, and the Chattanooga Campaign. But years of Civil War continue to lower the Northern morale and support for continuing the war. “Civil War on the Western Border: The Missouri-Kansas Conflict, 1854-1865.”

Robert E. Lee surrenders

Apr 9, 1865

Robert E. Lee surrenders his 28,000 Confederate troops to Union General Ulysses Grant. Fairly ending the American Civil War. Ulysses Grant won this battle and now had 28,000 Confederates that have surrendered. “Ending the Bloodshed.”

Lincolns assassination

Apr 14, 1865

John Wilkes Booth a famous actor and Confederate. assassinated President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. “The President Has Been Shot.”