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Beginig of civil war
March 4, 1861, seven cotton states declared their secession and joined to form the Confederate States of America. -
Period: to
Civil War
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First attack on the North
Hostilities began on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked a U.S. military installation at Fort Sumter -
Confederate Loss
In September 1862, the Confederate campaign in Maryland ended in defeat at the Battle of Antietam -
Confederate Loss
In 1863, Confederate general Robert E. Lee's northward advance ended in defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg -
Grant given command of the eastern army
Ulysses S. Grant was given command of the eastern army in 1864, and organized the armies of William Tecumseh Sherman, Philip Sheridan and others to attack the Confederacy from all directions, increasing the North's advantage in manpower. -
End of civil war
Confederate attempt to defend Petersburg failed, the Confederate army retreated but was pursued and defeated. Lee's surrender to Grant happened at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.