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Background Before 1850
Main reasons for war: the North were more industrial and opposed slavery, the South had more rural areas and depended on slave labor. -
Fugitive Slave Law of 1850
Federal laws in the 19th century that allowed the capture and return of runaway slaves within the territory of the United States. Northerners disagreed. -
The Kansas-Nebraska Act
Bill created by Stephen A. Douglas that allowed states decide whether slavery would be allowed. It caused tension between pro/anti-slavery states. Resulted in the violence known as "Bleeding Kanas". -
Election of 1860
During the election of 1860, Abe Lincoln became the first republican president. Many southerners were upset with the election because Lincoln was against slavery and decided to secede on December 20th, 1860. -
Creation of the Confederate States
Soon after southern states seceded Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida joined and the Confederate States of America was formed. -
Civil War Officially Begins
Fort Sumter, a Union controlled fort, was blocked by Confederate soldiers and opened fire on April 12th, 1861. This was officially the beginning of the Civil War. -
Battle of Hampton Roads
This battle took place in Hampton Roads, Virginia and marked an end for wooden vessels. -
Battle of Shiloh
Important victory for Union because they outnumbered the Confederacy and obtained control of the Mississippi Valley -
Battle of Gettysburg
Union victory that stopped Confederate General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. More than 50,000 men fell as casualties during battle, making it the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. -
Battle of Vicksburg
Took place near the Mississippi River and the Union took control of it and won the battle, Because of this, it became the turning point of the war and the Confederacy started to lose hope. -
Sherman's March To The Sea
During this specific battle a strategy called total war was used by the Union troops. Total war is a technique used by troops that destroy everything of value to the opposing side. -
Freedman's Bureau
Freedman's Bureau was created by Congress that opened offices, gave food, clothes, medicine, and established schools for newly freed slaves -
Appomattox Courthouse
General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army at the courthouse. This marked an end to the Civil War. -
Assassination of President Lincoln
On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth as he was watching a play at Ford's Theater. Abraham Lincoln died early the next day. -
14th Amendment
This amendment gave African American's citizenship and said that the states had to provide protection equally for all. -
15th Amendment
Created in 1870, this amendment guaranteed all men the right to vote. -
Reconstruction Ends
Ended in 1877, Union soldiers left the South after establishing public schools and industries expanded.
