US Civil War Timeline

Compromise of 1850

1850

Congress let California enter as a free state, banned the slave trade in Washington DC and established the fugitive slave act, banning northerners from assisting runaway slaves. It settled a lot of territorial disputes and made both sides happy by forcing northerners to not help slaves, but also giving them an additional state, California.

Secession of South Carolina

Dec 20, 1860

After Abraham Lincoln is elected South Carolina splits off of the United States. They didn't agree with the election and were shortly followed by Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas.

The Swearing In of Abraham Lincoln

Mar 4, 1861

Abe Lincoln is sworn into office as the 16th president. A few southern states already seceded since they didn't support Lincoln, and his name wasn't even on the ballot in some of them.

Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

Confederates bombarded the fort leading to the north declaring war on them. This officially started the civil war, since now the north had recognized the south as a separate country.

First Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

This was the first major battle of the civil war, the confederates won, led by Stonewall Jackson. The importance was that it was the first battle and it was a southern victory.

Merrimack V Monitor

Mar 8, 1862

The only major naval battle of the civil war. Changed naval warfare forever since it showed how obsolete wood boats were.

Battle of Shiloh

Apr 6, 1862

Confederate forces sneak attack Grant at Shiloh. It is a definite confederate win, but Grant is not relieved of duty.

Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

The battle of Antietam was one of the first major victories of the north. The battle restored faith in the Union and Abe Lincoln delivered the emancipation proclamation .

Gettysburg

Apr 1, 1863

The north halted Lee's invasion. This was the major turning point where the north started beating the south.

Lee Surrenders

Apr 9, 1865

Lee surrenders at Appomattox after the invasion of Richmond. With the civil war finished, reconstruction can begin.

Lincoln gets Assassinated

Apr 16, 1865

Lincoln is shot in the head while at Ford's theater. This led to Johnson becoming president.

The 13th Amendment

Dec 18, 1865

The 13th amendment is passed, officially banning slavery in the united states. This is a great success towards equality, but many southerners still pass laws to restrict blacks.

The 14th Amendment

Jul 9, 1868

The 14th amendment is passed guaranteeing citizenship to all people born in the United States. It also makes it illegal for former confederate leaders to hold office in the United States.

President Grant

Nov 3, 1868

The former general of the Union Army, Ulysses S Grant is elected president. The republicans chose Grant since even though he had no previous political experience, he was a great war hero.

First Black Senate Member

Feb 25, 1870

Hiram Revels is elected to the Senate from Mississippi. This is a great move towards equal rights for all people.