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Lincoln elected president
Though winning in the electoral college, Lincoln's lack of a popular majority (1.9 million out of 4.7 million votes cast) is an indication of the problems he would face with a divided nation. -
South Carolina secedes
On news of Lincoln's election, South Carolina (site of nullification fight in 1830s ) secedes -
Confederacy formed
Seven states form Confederacy, write their own constitution, and plan for an independent nation -
Lincoln inaugurated
Lincoln enters Washington D.C. in disguise because of unrest. Southerners begin seizing federal posts. -
Ft. Sumter attacked
Lincoln decides to supply Ft. Sumter, but wants the South to fire the first shot. -
Bull Run (Manassas), 1st battle
Gen. McDowell leads 30,000 men against Gen. Johnston's 22,000 Southern troops in an attempt to crush the rebels and go "On to Richmond." South scores victory as Union troops flee back to Washington in disarray. McDowell replaced by Gen. McClellan. -
Bull Run (Manassas) 2nd battle
McClellan replaced by Gen. Pope. Lee and Gen. Stonewall Jackson defeat Union troops again at Manassas and Pope is replaced by McClellan. -
Ft. Henry & Ft. Donelson
Gen. Grant captures two forts on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. Confederates forced out of Kentucky and yield much of Tennessee. -
Shiloh (Pittsburgh Landing)
Grant overcomes Southern forces with heavy losses for each side: 13,000 Union casualties, 11,000 for South -
Monitor vs. Merrimac
First ironclad battle in history ends in a draw as the Merrimac withdraws after daylong exchange of fire. Union blockade of South is maintained -
Emancipation Proclamation
With victory at Antietam, Lincoln announces that on 1/1/63, all slaves in the rebelling states would be free. Does not affect border states. Forces European nations to recognize that choosing sides in the Civil War is to take a stand on slavery. -
Chattanooga
Reinforced with troops from the East, Grant is able to push Southern troops back and prepare for assault on Atlanta and the heart of the Confederacy -
Grant promoted to Lt. General and given command of all Union troops
Grant prepares for assault on Richmond. When Lincoln's Cabinet complains that Grant is a drunk and seeks to interfere with his command, Lincoln gives him unconditional support and asks not to be notified of his plans. -
Petersburg battle
(Jun 9, 1864 – Mar 25, 1865) Grant focuses on important railroad junction and communication outside Richmond. Long siege of Petersburg begins with troops living in trenches which stretched for 50 miles -
Lee surrenders
Lee, refusing to see his troops suffer any further, surrenders to Grant. Southern troops given generous terms of surrender
