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Lincoln's Inauguration
On this day after 1 o’clock p.m., Lincoln became the 16th president of the United States of America. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Roger B. Taney administered the oath. His speech at the inauguration was important because he was a new president and was the new face of a nation in crisis. His speech tried to keep Southern states from seceding and his speech made it clear that he would uphold federal laws in those states. Seven states seceded as a result. -
Beginning of the Civil War
The Civil War began on April 12, 1861 at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. The confederates bombarded the Northern fort because they knew that the fort was getting a fresh supply of resources that day. This was the first attack on the United States by the Confederate States of America. This is important because it was the official beginning of the Civil War. -
Antietam
The battle at antietam occurred September 17-18, 1862. September 17th is the bloodiest day in all of American military history (averaging one casualty every 2 seconds, 22,717 casualties). Hooker led the assault on the Confederates in Sharpsburg Washington County, Maryland. Every attack by the North was counteracted by the South. The battle had no winner, but Lincoln declared it a Union win. This battle was important because it kept Britain and France on the Union side and lifted Union Morale. -
Emancipation Proclamation Declared
On September 22, 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted by Lincoln. The Emancipation Proclamation was established after the victory at the battle of Antietam. It stated that starting January 1, 1863 that all slaves in the rebellious states were from that day and that day forward are free. This proclamation did not free any slaves, but it did change the war from a war to keep the nation together to a war of human freedom. -
Chancellorsville
April 30-May 6, 1863 the battle at Chancellorsville happened. Hooker’s forces were well supplied and Lee’s were not. Instead of retreating Lee’s forces attacked Hooker’s while they were still in the wilderness. There were 30,764 casualties. Lee’s forces won the battle and it is considered one of his greatest victories. It is one of the greatest victories due to there being more Union soldiers that were better supplied. -
Gettysburg
The Battle at Gettysburg occurred July 1-3, 1863. General Lee brought 75,000 men and General Meade brought 97,000 men. More men died in this battle than any other battle in American history. There is reportedly over 51,000 men that died. The battle began because the South needed more shoes and they wanted a chance to attack after Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg. This event was pivotal in the Civil War ans shifted the war in favor of the North. -
The Battle at Fort Wagner
On July 18, 1863 the battle at Fort Wagner occurred. The first all African American 54th Massachusetts regiment met the Southern forces on Morris Island, South Carolina under General Shaw's orders. The Confederates out numbered them three to one. 40% of its combat troops and a third of officers were killed or wounded in the second battle. This battle changed the way Union soldiers looked at black soldiers. -
Gettysburg Address Delivered
On November 19, 1863, Lincoln delivered a speech called the “Gettysburg Address” at the military cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This famous speech reminded the public that the North is fighting for the founding father’s vision of unity and equality for all. He also acknowledges the soldiers’ sacrifice for a better nation. The Gettysburg Address is important because it helped to raise the morale of the United States. -
Grant Appointed
On March 10, 1864, Grant was appointed Lieutenant General of the Union army by Lincoln. The position had not been used since 1798. Lincoln wanted to appoint Commanding General Henry Wagner Halleck, but hired Grant instead. He did not want to hire him because of rumors northern senators would nominate Grant for the 1864 Republican National Convention. Lincoln hired him once he publicly said he was not interested in being president. This is an important event because he led the North to victory. -
Formal End Of the Civil War
General Robert E. Lee surrenders his troops to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865 in Appomattox Court House, Virginia. It occurred in Wilmer McLean’s front parlor at one o’clock. He surrendered because the soldiers were low on supplies. The conditions of the surrender pardoned the soldiers, gave them their private property (horses included), side arms, and the starving confederates were given Union rations. This is an important event because this event formally ended the Civil War. -
Lincoln Assassinated
Lincoln was fatally shot on April 14th and was declared dead on April 15th. On April 14, 1865, Lincoln, his wife, Henry Rathbone, and Clara Harris attended the play “Our American Cousins” at the Ford Theater in Washington D.C.. At 10:15 p.m., Booth shot Lincoln in the back of the head with a .44-caliber derringer. Lincoln then died the next day from his gun shot. This event ended Lincoln's presidency immediately.
