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Formation of the Confederate States of America
The states of Mississppi, South Craolina, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana,Texas and other Southern states formed the Confederacy after their withdrawal from the Union. In its constitution it gave citizens the right to own slaves. The president of the new country was Jefferson Davis. -
Abraham Lincoln elected for president
This is the day that Abraham Lincoln takes oath of office as the sixteenth president of the United States. This ultimately led to the secession of southern states, and the formation of the Confederacy. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
General Beauregard, who was in command of the Confederate forces, demanded the surrender of the Union garrison Fort Sumter. The garrison commander refused. -
First Battle of Bull Run
This was the first major battle of the Civil War, and it showed the Union that this wasn't going to be an easy victory, like they'd hoped. The Confederates, led by General Pierre G.T. Beauregard, won. The Union troops were led by General Irvin McDowell. -
The Trent Affair
This was a diplomatic incident that occurred early in the war, when the Confederacy was hoping to get recognition by Great Britain. A British ship was stopped and two Confederate diplomats were captured. Relations between the Union And G.B. bcame strained, but war was avoided with the release of the prisoners. -
Battle of Shiloh
On April 6th Confederate forces drove the surprised Union troops from their camps. By the afternoon they had determined a battle line. Repeated Rebel attacks failed to carry the Hornet's Nest but massed artillery helped the Confederates turn the tide as they surrounded Union troops to capture, kill, or wound. Fighting continued until after dark, the Federals held strong until reinforcements outnumbered Beauregard’s army which made the Confederates retire. -
First Conscription Act (Union)
The government was running out of men for the army since so many were dying in battle. The people considered this an infringement on individual freedom and personal liberty. Class discrimination also was in these situations. Propertied men were exempt which left poor men and immigrants to fight. -
Union Captures New Orleans
Union General Farragut intercepted the Confederates defense around the city at night and captured it. The Confederates fired at Union ships, but were unsucessful in stopping Union forces. The city fell on April 2th. -
Seven Days' Battles
General Lee launched a series of battles against Union troops which ultimately forced them to retreat from Richmond. Lee saved Richmond, and force McClellan to retreat. -
Second Battle of Bull Run
The Confederates won the Second Battle of Bull Run, now led by General Jackson. Union troops were led by General Pope. The three day battle forced the Union troops to retreat and made General Lee believe it was time to move the war North. -
Battle of Fredericksburg
In this battle Union and Confederate troops fought in the streets of Fredericksburg. Both sides recieved heavy casualties. This battle resulted in a Confederate victory. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln issued an order that slaves be freed in ten states. The proclamation freed many slaves but Lincoln didn't offer any compensation. The Emancipation Proclamation didn't end completely end slavery. -
Seige of Vicksburg
Grant's troops had surrounded the city and cut off the supplies. Many citizens and soldiers suffered from starvation. On July 4, Pemberton was forced to surrender and Grant sent the city food. -
Battle of Gettysburg
On July 1st the Confederates converged on the town driving Union defenders through the streets to Cemetery Hill. On July 2, Lee tried to envelop the Federals. Then on July 3 the Confederate Infantry were driven from Culp's Hole. After a preliminary artillery bombardment, Lee attacked the Union center on Cemetery Hill. On July 4, Lee withdrew his army towards Williamsport. -
The Gettysburg Address
Lincoln gave this speech at the dedication ceremony of the Gettysburg battlefield cemetery. In it he praised the Union soldiers and restated his commitment to winning the War. It is one of the most famous speeches in American History. -
Battle of Chattanooga
General Bragg's army laid siege on the Union army under General Rosecrans at Chattanooga, cutting of supplies. General Grant was commanded to aid the Rosecrans' army which helped gain a Union victory. -
Battle of Cold Harbor
On May 31, Sheridan's cavalry seized the crossroads of Cold Harbor. Then on June 1, Sheridan's army relied heavily on repeating cabines and shallow entrenchments. Late on June 1, the Union IV and XVIII Corps reached Cold Harbor and attacked the Confederate forces. At dawn of June 3 the Corps assaulted along the Bethesda Church-Cold Harbor line and were slaughtered at all points. Grant abandoned their approaches to the well defended Richmond and shifted his army south of the river to Petersburg -
Lincoln Re-Elected as President
Lincoln remained president of the Union. This allowed for stability in the country, instead of the chaos of admitting a new president into office, especially in such a time of struggle. -
Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse
The leaders of the Union and Confederate armies (General Grant and Lee), met to discuss the surrender of General Lee. It officially ended the Civil War. The Confederates were no longer the enemy, but again members of the Union. -
Lincoln's Assassination
On this night President Lincoln went to Ford's theater to enjoy a show with his wife but only to be shot by John Wilks Booth, ending his presidental term and life.
