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Abraham Lincoln is Elected President
Abraham Lincoln is elected as the sixteenth president of the united states. He won with 180 out of 303 possible electoral votes and 40% of the popular vote. By his inauguration on March 4th, 1861, 7 states will have already succeeded from the union. -
South Carolina Secedes
As a result of Lincoln's winning the election, and North-South tensions; South Carolina became the first state to succeed. Only 4 days later, South Carolina created the "Causes of Secession." This document was basically a Declaration of Independence for South Carolina to succed from the union. -
Davis is Elected Confederate President
The Confederate Convention in Montgomery, Alabama, chose Jefferson Davis to be the temporary president of the Confederacy. He was inaugurated on February 18th, 1861. Jefferson's first act in office was to send a peace commission to Washington, D.C. to prevent armed conflict, to which Lincoln refused to see his representatives. -
The Civil War Begins at Sumter
On April 11th, 1861, Confederate Brigadier General Pierre Gustave Toutant (P.G.T) Beauregard dispatched aides to Union Major Anderson to surrender the fort. Anderson refused and the next morning at approximately 4:30 a.m., Confederate cannons fired upon the fort and would continued for the next 34 hours. -
Virginia Succeeds
On February 13th, 1861, delegates in Virginia had met to discuss events such Abraham Lincoln's election and South Carolina's secession. They decides to stay with the Union and hoped a compromise would be reached. However 2 months later, in light of the fighting, they chose to side with the South. -
"Proclamation of Blockade"
Lincoln realized the Confederacy would import goods if it hopes of continuing the war. He made this proclamation blockading the ports and imports of the Southern States. This blockade would continue throughout the war. -
Robert E. Lee Leaves the Union
Robert E. Lee resigned from his service in the United States Army. He claimed he "...cannot raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children." Lee then proceeds to go to Richmond, Virginia, and is offered to command of the military forces of Virginia, to which he accepted. -
First Officer to Die
Union troops advance across the Potomac River and takes Alexandria, Virginia. During the battle, Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth is killed by a local innkeeper, making him the first officer to die in the war. He then made a martyr to the North. -
Naval War Changes
Two ironclad warships, the Confederate Ironclad 'Merrimac', and the Union Ironclad 'Monitor', fight to a draw. Before the battle the Merrimac had already sunk two wooden Union ships. This battle therefor changes naval warfare, making wooden ships obsolete. -
The Battle of Seven Pines
Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston's Army attacks Union troops in front of Richmond. Johnston's men did damage but did not defeat their opposition defeats them. As result of the battle, Johnston is badly wounded. -
The Seven Days Battles
Robert E. Lee has replaced Johnston as general of the Confederate Army. General Lee attacks McClellan again near Richmond, ending in heavy losses for both armies. Lee is victorious as McClellan begins a withdrawal to Washington. -
Near War with England
Two Confederate officials are found and seized by the U.S. Navy while sailing for England. England, then demanded their release, threatening war. Lincoln, not wanting to create another war, released them in December. -
The Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in Confederates territories. He emphasized the enlisting of black soldiers to the Union Army. Now instead of being a war to preserve the Union has become a war for the abolition of slavery. -
The Gettysburg Address
President Lincoln and a large ground meet on the battlegrounds of Gettysburg. Lincoln honors of the soldiers who had died and are serving in batte. His speech became known as the Gettysburg Address. This two-minute speech became one of the most inspiring speeches given during the civil war. -
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The Confederacy Dies
All of the remaining Confederate forces surrender. The Nation is reunited. The result of the war totaled over 620,000 casualties, with disease killing twice as many. 50,000 survivors came home as amputees. -
The 13th Amendment is Passed
The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution is passed by Congress on January 31st, 1865. Abolishing slavery in the U.S. However colored people would still face many challenges of hate and segregation for many years to come...
