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The South Secedes
Several southern states officially seceded from the United States. They believed that their rights were being threatened and that they should have the power to govern themselves. This eventually leads to the formation of the Confederate States of America. -
The South Creates a Government
After seceding from the United States, the southern states formed their own government known as the Confederate States of America. They established their own constitution and elected Jefferson Davis as their president. -
The South Seizes Federal Forts
The southern states took control of several federal forts within their territory. This was a way for them to assert their authority and establish their independence. -
Lincolns Inauguration
Held in Washington D.C and marked the beginning of Abraham Lincolns presidency. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
Confederate forces started shooting at the fort in Charleston, South Carolina, and after 34 hours of being bombarded, the Union soldiers inside had to give up the fort. -
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Four More States Join the Confederacy
Four states join the confederacy including Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. They seceded from the Union and became part of the Confederate States of America. -
Four Slave States Stay in the Union
Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri chose to remain in the Union during the American Civil War. The were referred to as "bored states" because they bordered both the Union and the Confederacy. -
A Blockade of the South
It aimed to suffocate the Southern states by blocking their ports and cutting off their supplies. The Blockade was a key part of the Norths strategy to weaken the Confederacy. This blockade intensified July 16 because the Union committed more resources to enforce it along the Southern coast. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The Confederate forces won against the Union forces, that were led by General McDowell. It was a significant battle that showed both sides the war would not be quick or easy. -
General McDowell is Replaced
After the Unions defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run, General McDowell was replaced by General George B. McClellan. McClellan took over as commander of the Army of the Potomac and played a significant role in shaping the Unions military strategy during the early years of the Civil War. -
Port Royal, South Carolina
The battle of Port Royal resulted in the capture of Port Royal Sound in South Carolina. This victory was crucial for the Unions blockade strategy. The Union forces established a significant presence in Port Royal, South Carolina, which lasted throughout 1862 and beyond. -
Confederate Winter Quarters
Confederate Winter Quarters were temporary camps where Confederate soldiers would stay during the winter months. These camps provided shelter and respite from the harsh weather conditions -
Abraham Lincoln Takes Action
Abraham Lincoln took the action of issuing a General War Order. This order called for a coordinated Union military offensive against the Confederate forces. It aimed to bring an end to ongoing Civil War and restore the Union. -
McClellan Loses Command
President Abraham Lincoln removed General George B. McClellan from his position as general-in-chief of the Union armies. This decision was due to McClellans cautious tactics and his reluctance to aggressively pursue Confederate forces, which frustrated Lincoln and other leaders who wanted more decisive action in the Civil War. -
Battle of "Monitor and the "Merrimack
The U.S.S Monitor, a Union ironclad ship, clashed with the C.S.S Virginia (formerly the U.S.S Merrimack), a Confederate ironclad ship. It was the first meeting of ironclad warships in combat. The battle ended in a draw. -
The Peninsular Campaign
It was an attempt to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, by moving up the Virginia Peninsula. The campaign was led by McClellan and it included several battles. -
The Battle of Shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh was a big fight during the Civil War in Tennessee. Union and Confederate troops clashed, resulting in heavy casualties. The Union eventually won the battle. -
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New Orleans.
New Orleans was captured by Union forces. It was a significant victory for the Union because it gave them control over a major Confederate city and strategic port. -
"Stonewall" Jackson Defeats Union Forces
Jacksonn defeated Union forces at the Firs Battle of Winchester. Jacksons rapid movements and surprise tactics allowed his smaller Confederate force to defeat larger Union armies, securing the Shenandoah Valley. -
The Battle of Seven Pines
Major Civil War fight near Richmond, Virginia. Both sides had heavy losses and there was no clear winner. -
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The Seven Days Battles
This was a series of fights near Richmond, Virginia, where Confederate forces pushed back Union troops, keeping Richmond safe. -
A New Commander of the Union Army
General Henry Halleck took command of the Union Army. He was appointed as the new Commander to replace General McClellan. -
Popes Campaign
General John Pope led the Union Army of Virginia during that time. He aimed to counter the Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee. However, the campaign ended in defeat for the UNion at the Second Battle of Bull Run. -
Harpers Ferry
Confederate General Stonewall Jackson captured Harpers Ferry, a strategic Union stronghold, along with thousands of Union soldiers. It was a major blow to the Unions efforts in the region. -
Antietam
Known as the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Both the Union and Confederate armies suffered heavy losses, and though it ended essentially in a draw, it gave president Lincoln the confidence to issue the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. -
The Battle of Fredericksburg
The Union forces, led by Major General Ambrose Burnside, faced off against the Confederate Army under General Lee. The battle was a significant defeat for the Union, with heavy casualties, as they failed to break through the Confederate lines. -
Emancipation Proclamation
It declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be set free. While it didn't immediately free all the slaves, it was a crucial step towards ending slavery in the United States and had a profound impact on the course of the Civil War. -
The First Conscription Act
It was passed by the United States Congress and mandated the drafting of men into the military service through a national Conscription draft. Men between ages 25-40 were called to for military service, but they were able to avoid this by paying a fee or finding a substitute. -
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The Battle of Chancellorsville
Confederate General Robert E. Lee led his smaller army to a surprising victory against the larger Union forces led by General Joseph Hooker. It was a strategic win for the Confederates, but it also came at a cost with the loss of General Stonewall Jackson -
The Vicksburg Campaign
Union General Ulysses S. Grant led a campaign to capture the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg. After a series of battles and a lengthy siege, Grants forced emerged victorious, gaining control of the Mississippi river. -
The Gettysburg Campaign
Confederate General Robert E. Lee moved his army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania, aiming to threaten Northern cities, gather supplies, and win a major battle of Northern soil to sway public opinion in the North against the war. -
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The Battle of Gettysburg
Union forces, led by General George G. Meade, successfully repelled repeated assults by Confederate forces. The defeat forced Lee to retreat to Virginia, marking a significant shift in the wars momentum towards the Union. -
The Battle of Chickamauga
Took place in northern Georgia and was named after Chickamauga Creek. Despite initial Union success, Confederate reinforcements turned the tide of the battle, leading to a significant Union retreat. This victory gave the Confederacy control of southeastern Tennessee. -
Gettysburg Address
A famous speech given by President Abraham Lincoln. In his speech, he talks about the importance of equality and the preservation of the Union. He said that the United States was a government "of the people, by the people, for the people." -
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The Battle of Chattanooga
Union forces broke through Confederate lines, lifting the seige on Chattanooga and paving the way for a deeper push into the South. -
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Winter Quarters at Brandy Station
Both Union and Confederate armies settled into winter camps. Brandy Station served as the winter quarters and provided a respite from the intense fighting and allowed troops to rest, recover, and prepare for future campaigns. -
Grant's Wilderness Campaign
Series of brutal clashes in dense forest areas of Virginia. The fighting was intense and chaotic due to the thick brush and smoke. Despite heavy casualties, Grants decision to continue pushing forward instead of retreating was a key shift in Union strategy. -
The Battle of Spotsylvania
It was a series of brutal encounters between the Union and Confederate armies. The Battle is particularly remembered for the fierce combat at the "Bloody Angle," where soldiers fought hand-to-hand in pouring rain. -
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The Battle of Cold Harbor
This was a major and notably deadly battle that took place at Cold Harbor. It's known for its high casualties, especially on the Union side. The Confederates won this battle and it was Lees last clear victory in the war. -
The Seige of Petersburg
This was a significant campaign that ultimately resulted in a Union victory. The Union forces, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, successfully laid Seige to Petersburg, Virginia. -
Confederate Troops Approach Washington D.C
Confederate Troops under General Jubal Early came very close to Washington D.C. They reached the outskirts of the city, cuasinf quite a panic. However, they ultimately withdrew without launching a major assault on the capital. -
General William T. Sherman's Atlanta Campaign
Aimed to capture the strategic city of Atlanta, Georgia, which was a vital transportation hub and manufacturing center for the Confederacy. This victory significantly boosted Northern morale and helped President Lincolns re-election efforts. -
Abraham Lincoln is Re-Elected
Lincoln was re-elected as president. He won against George B. McClellan. This re-election ensured that Lincoln could continue his policies towards preserving the Union and abolishing slavery. -
General William T. Sherman's March to Sea
After capturing Atlanta, Sherman and his troops embarked on a destructive march from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. They aimed to cripple the South's war efforts by destroying infrastructure and supplies along the way. -
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Fort Moroe and Hampton
Served as important Union strongholds. Fort Monroe was a key devensive position that protected the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, while Hampton was a nearby town that provided support to the Union forces. -
Fort Fisher, North Carolina
This battle was crucial because Fort Fisher protected the vital trading routes of the port at Wilmington, North Carolina. After intense fighting, the Union forces succeeded in capturing the fort, cutting off a major supply line for the Confederate army. -
The Fall of the Confederacy
The Confederacy was facing a critical situation. The Union forces were gaining momentum, and Confederate morale was declining. -
Sherman Marches through North and South Carolina
General Sherman led Union forces on a destructive path, targeting infrastructure and resources to demoralize the Confederacy. The march covered hundreds of miles, leaving a trail of devastation. -
A Chance for Reconciliation is Lost
Jefferson Davis, the Confederate president, was willing to have peace talks with President Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward, but he wanted Lincoln to recognize the Souths independence first. Lincoln didn't agree, so the talks never happened. -
Fallen Richmond
Union forces, led by General Grant, captured the city, which dealt a major blow to the Conferedacy. This event marked a turning point in the war and contributed to the eventual surrender of the Confederate forces. -
Surrender at Appomattox Court House
Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. -
Abraham Lincoln Assasinated
Abraham Lincoln was assinated by John Wilkes Booth. The assasination occured at Fords Theatre in Washington D.C while Lincoln was attending a play. It was a tragic moment in American History.