Major Events of the Civil War

Anaconda Plan

1861

The Anaconda Plan was proposed early on in the Civil War by the Union leader General Winfield Scott. His goal was to navally blockade the Confederacy and cut off their access to the Mississippi River. This would financially strangle them and prevent them from trading. Although there was much skepticism, the plan did lead to the weakening of the rebellious states and eventually brought an end to the war.

Battle of Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

1st Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

In the first major land battle of the Civil War, the Confederate leader was General P. G. T. Beauregard and the Union leader was General Irvin McDowell. The goal was for the Union to strike the outnumbered Confederate troops along the Bull Run River. However, the Confederacy won as Union troops retreated and gave the South a false hope that they could win the war and showed the Union that the rebellion would not be over as quickly as they expected.

Siege of Vicksburg

May 18, 1862

Antietam

Sep 22, 1862

This was known as the single bloodiest day of the Civil War. The Confederate leader was Robert E. Lee, who was later reinforced by General Stonewall Jackson. The Union leader was George McClellan. The goal was for Lee to invade Maryland as he hoped that fighting a battle on Union grounds would cause Lincoln to lose Congressional support and secure a victory for the Confederacy. The Union claimed victory for this event as the Confederacy retreated, but it was technically a stalemate.

Battle of Fredricksburg

Dec 1, 1862

Emancipation Proclamation

Jan 1, 1863

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by the President of the Union, Abraham Lincoln.

Battle of Chancellorsville

May 1, 1863

The Battle of Chancellorsville lasted until May 5, 1863. The Confederate leaders were Generals Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and Robert E. Lee. The Union leader was General Joseph Hooker.

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

The Battle of Gettysburg lasted until July 3rd. The Confederate leader was Robert E. Lee and the Union leader was George C. Meade.

Atlanta Campaign

May 7, 1864

The Atlanta Campaign lasted until September 2nd. The Confederate leader was Joseph E. Johnston, who was later replaced by John B. Hood. The Union leader was William Tecumseh Sherman.

Sherman's March to the Sea

Nov 15, 1864

Sherman's March to the Sea lasted until December 21st and was led by the Union's Willian Tecumseh Sherman.