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Lincoln Elected
The majority of the votes came from the North because the North was more populated. Lincoln won without any electoral votes. Angering the South and eventually leading to the secession of seven southern states. -
Lower S. Secedes
South justified seceding, by claiming people have the right to overthrow an abusive gov. Also that they were formed through a state compact. -
Lincoln's 1st Inaugural
Lincolns efforts to reassure the South that he isnt a threst to them or slavery. Lincoln also argues that a compact cannot be broken unless BOTH sides agree. Tone is firm but also welcoming. -
Firing on Ft. Sumter
South fires on a Union Fort in Charleston Harbor, SC. Opening shots of the war. -
Upper S. Secedes
After firing, 4 states of upper South secede. -
Battle of Bull Run/ 1st Manassas
North was confident that they would win. (collecting souvenirs before battle was over, civilians showed up to watch the battle.) North underestimated Souths will to fight. Signifigance is that North realizes that this will not be a short and easy war. 5,000 casualties. -
Antietem- "War of Altrition"
The bloodiest day of the war. (23,000 casualties, for Lee, was 1/4 of his army) No great military advantage gained by either side. Lincoln desmisses Genral McClellan because he wont pursue and finish off Lees army. Civil War becomes what known as a war of attrition(when one side inflicts significant loss of men and material that it forces the other side to surrencer) -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emanc Proc freed slaves in areas of open rebellion, not border states. Even though it did not free any slaves. It was significant because it made the French and British think twice about joining the confederacy because they did not want to be seen as supporting slavery. -
Battle of Gettysburg
Three day battle, biggest and bloodiest war. (50,000+ casualties) Considered a turning point because the North won and it marked the end of Southern invasions in the North. Lincoln is reelected overwhelmingly. No chance of European powers joining the confederacy. -
Gettysburg Address
Given by Abraham Lincoln, at the dedication of Gettysburg cemetary. Reinforced the idea that the war was fought for a moral cause. (All men are created equal) War was about preserving popular soverignty. (Of the people, by the people, for the people) -
Sherman's March to the Sea
Sherman, a Union general, marched from Atlanta to Savannah. Burned Atlanta to the ground. Shermans march is an example of total war- forcing your opponent into surrender by attacking both military and civilian targets. Resentment grows towards the North. -
Lee's Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, VA
Lee's Surrender is a time of great respect and sadness. The process of rebuilding the nation begins with the tone set at Lee's surrender. -
Lincoln Assasination
Assasination takes place 5 days after Lee's surrender and just a month into Lincoln's second term. Assasinated by John Wilkes Booth. Is going to affectthe reconstruction of the country. -
13th Amendment Passed