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Election of 1860
The election of 1860 was wild, Abraham Lincoln won, and it was a big deal because his views on slavery shook things up. The country was super divided, and his election led to the Southern states deciding they wanted out of the United States. That's what kicked off the Civil War. The election had four main candidates, Stephen Douglas, who was a democrat, John Breckenridge who was a southern democrat, and John Bell who was a part of the constitutional union which split the votes in so many ways. -
Confederate States Form
When the Southern states bailed after the 1860 election,they formed their group called the Confederate States of America.It all started with South Carolina peacing out in December 1860, and soon after, a bunch of others followed. They were all about states' rights and keeping slavery, which was a huge no for the Northern states.They even had their president,Jefferson Davis, and set up shop in Richmond, Virginia.The Confederacy was never recognized as a separate nation which led to the Civil War. -
Jefferson Davis inaugurated as President of Confederate States of America
Jefferson Davis had became the president of the Confederate States. It happened on February 18, 1861, in Montgomery, Alabama. That's where they first set up their capital. He wasn't planning to be president, but he got picked and was like, "Okay, I'll do it." His speech was all about being separate from the North and sticking to their ways. He led the Confederacy during the entire Civil War until everything collapsed in 1865. It was a tough job, and things didn't end well for the Confederacy. -
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter was located in South Carolina. It played a big role in the start of the Civil War. The Confederate army attacked the fort in April 1861. It was a pretty intense battle, and it marked the beginning of the war. The Union soldiers had to surrender after a couple of days. Fort Sumter became a symbol of the conflict between the North and the South. It's a significant place in American history. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The first Battle of Bull Run was a big deal! It happened on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia. It was one of the first major battles of the Civil War. Both sides thought it was gonna be a quick victory, but they were wrong. The battle was intense and chaotic. In the end, the Union troops had to retreat, and it was a wake-up call for everyone involved. It showed that the war was gonna be long and tough. The First Battle of Bull Run was a turning point in the war. -
Battle of Shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh happened on April 6-7, 1862, near Shiloh, Tennessee. It was a major battle during the Civil War. The Union Army, led by General Grant, clashed with the Confederate Army, led by General Johnston. It was a fierce and bloody battle, with both sides taking heavy losses. In the end, the Union Army emerged victorious, but it was a wake-up call for both sides that the war was gonna be a long and tough one. The Battle of Shiloh was a heavy moment in the war. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg happened from July 1-3, 1863, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It was a major battle during the Civil War. The Union Army, led by General Meade, clashed with the Confederate Army, led by General Lee. It was a fierce and bloody battle, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. In the end, the Union Army emerged victorious, and it was a turning point in the war. The Battle of Gettysburg is considered one of the most important battles in American history. -
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam was a major clash during the Civil War.It took place on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland. It was a pretty brutal battle, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Union Army, led by General McClellan, clashed with the Confederate Army, led by General Lee. It was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with over 23,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. The battle ended in a draw. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation was a big turn. It was issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the Civil War. It declared that all slaves in Confederate territory were to be set free. It was a bold move to the Confederacy and supported the Union cause. The Emancipation Proclamation gave a moral purpose to the war and paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery. It was an important step towards equality and freedom for all. -
Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg took place from May 18 to July 4, 1863, during the Civil War. It was an important battle for control of the Mississippi River. The Union Army, led by General Grant, surrounded the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi. After a long wait, the Confederate forces surrendered, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River. This victory split the Confederacy in two. The Battle of Vicksburg was a significant step towards Union victory in the Civil War. -
Sherman's March to the Sea
Sherman's March to the Sea happened from November to December 1864, during the Civil War. General Sherman and his Union troops helped a violent campaign from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. They rattled the Confederacy by destroying buildings and resources along the way. It was about 300 miles, and the Union forces left a path of destruction in their wake. It was a strategic move that further weakened the Confederacy, Sherman's March to the Sea was quite a bold and impactful military campaign. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address is one of the most famous speeches. Lincoln gave it on November 19, 1863. It was a short speech, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg. Lincoln talked about the principles of human equality from the Declaration of Independence. He gave the bravery of Union soldiers and showed the importance of preserving the Union. The speech emphasized the purpose of the Civil War and the need for the nation to be reborn, dedicated to freedom and equality. -
Appomattox Court House
Appomattox Court House is located in Virginia and was the site of General Lee's surrender to General Grant on April 9, 1865. This surrender marked the end of the Civil War. The two generals met in the parlor of the McLean House to discuss the terms of surrender. It was a significant event that brought an end to the fighting and set the stage for the reunification of the United States. Appomattox Court House is now a national historical park that holds this important piece of American history. -
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln happened on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate supporter. Lincoln passed away the next day, on April 15. His assassination shocked the nation and plunged it into mourning. It was a hard loss for the country, as Lincoln was a beloved leader who played a vital role in ending slavery and keeping the Union. The assassination of Abraham Lincoln forever changed the course of American history. -
13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and approved by the states later that year. This amendment officially canceled slavery in the United States. It says that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude can exist in the U.S., except as punishment for a crime. The 13th Amendment was a huge step toward civil rights and freedom. It's seen as one of the most important changes to the Constitution because it ended the legal practice of enslaving people.