Unit 6 Final Assessment

Lincoln Elected President

Nov 6, 1860

Lincoln became the first Republican president, but had only received 40% of the popular vote. The announcement of Lincoln's victory was very controversial in Southern states.

Secession

Dec 20, 1860

South Carolina became the first state to offically secede from the Union, followed by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana in January of 1861.

Civil War Begins

Apr 12, 1861

Under General P.G.T. Beauregard, Confederate soldiers attack Major Robert Anderson and Union soldiers at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. Two days later, Major Anderson surrenders.

First Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

Union General Irvin McDowell is defeated by the Confederate Army, causing him to retreat to Washington.

Antietam

Jul 29, 1862

This battle was the bloodiest day in US history. Over 26,000 men were killed, wounded or missing on both sides. The battle officially ended with a draw, but stopped General Robert E. Lee's invasion of Maryland.

Emancipation Proclamation

Jan 1, 1863

Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, which frees slaves in territory captured by the Union Army as well as orders the enlistment of black soldiers. At this point, it had become a war over slavery.

Gettysburg & Pickett's Charge

Jul 1, 1863

Gettysburg was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, as well as a turning point. It also marks the farthest advance of the Confederate Army into Union territory.
On the third day of battle, General Lee ordered General George Pickett to assault entrenched Union soldiers. More than half of the Confederate soldiers were killed as they walked across a field into gunfire.

Thirteenth Amendment

Jan 31, 1865

The United States Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery. The amendment is ratified by the staes on December 6.

Surrender

Jul 29, 1865

General Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant in Appomattox Court House in Virginia, ending the war.