Josh linares Timeline

Lincoln elected president

Nov 8, 1860

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

Dec 20, 1860

On news of Lincoln's election, South Carolina (site of nullification fight in 1830s) secedes

Confederacy formed

Feb 4, 1861

Seven states form Confederacy, write their own constitution, and plan for an independent nation

Ft. Sumter attacked

Apr 12, 1861

Lincoln decides to supply Ft. Sumter, but wants the South to fire the first shot.

Bull Run (Manassas), 1st battle

Jul 21, 1861

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

Ft. Henry & Ft. Donelson

Feb 6, 1862

Gen. Grant captures two forts on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. Confederates forced out of Kentucky and yield much of Tennessee

Monitor vs. Merrimac

Mar 8, 1862

First ironclad battle in history ends in a draw as the Merrimac withdraws after daylong exchange of fire. Union blockade of South is maintained

Peninsular Campaign (Yorktown, Seven Days' Battle, Fair Oaks)

Mar 20, 1862

After continual prodding by Lincoln, McClellan decides to attack Richmond via the South. He moves his large army down the Potomac, marches on Richmond, and then assumes a defensive position rather than pushing for victory. Gen. Lee takes command of Southern troops

Shiloh (Pittsburgh Landing)

Apr 6, 1862

Grant overcomes Southern forces with heavy losses for each side: 13,000 Union casualties, 11,000 for South

New Orleans

Apr 29, 1862

Farragut seizes New Orleans for Union after boldly attacking Southern position. 11 Southern ships sunk

Bull Run (Manassas) 2nd battle

Aug 28, 1862

McClellan replaced by Gen. Pope. Lee and Gen. Stonewall Jackson defeat Union troops again at Manassas and Pope is replaced by McClellan

Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

Heavily outnumbered, Lee's troops face McClellan in bloody fighting. Over 23,000 casualties (more than all previous American wars combined). Lee retreats to Virginia

Emancipation Proclamation

Sep 23, 1862

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

Fredericksburg

Dec 11, 1862

Gen. Burnside attacks Lee's fortified position and suffers 10,000 casualties (to Lee's 5000).

Lincoln inaugurated

Mar 4, 1865

Lincoln enters Washington D.C. in disguise because of unrest. Southerners begin seizing federal posts.