U.S. History Civil War Timeline

  • Compromise of 1850

    Compromise of 1850
    California was admitted as a free state, New Mexico and Utah could decide whether or not they wanted to be a slave state. Salves were not aloud to be sold in Washington D.C. Texas would also give up their claim to the New Mexico territory. Also the Fugitive Slave Act was passed and it required citizens to apprehend runaway slaves.
  • Kansas Nebraska Act

    Kansas Nebraska Act
    "Bleeding Kansas" Gave the citizens in the Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide whether or not to allow slavery. It was meant to repeal the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
  • Formation of the Republican Party

    Formation of the Republican Party
    In 1854 the Republican Party was formed by anti-slavery members of the Whig party. The Republican Party rapidly gained supporters in the North.
  • Dread Scott Decision of 1857

    Dread Scott Decision of 1857
    Chief Justice Roger Taney's response, "Slaves were private property and thus no decision (rights) need to be made." This made slaves not able to sue in the courts because they are labeled as property and not as people.
  • Reconstruction Plans

    Reconstruction Plans
    Lincolns plan included the "10 percent plan" which aloud southern states to be reunited with the Union states once 10 percent of their voters swore an oath of allegiance with the Union. In 1865 the 13th Amendment was placed to abolish slavery. In reality the Reconstruction Plans lead to Black Codes, the KKK, and the Freedman's Bureau.
  • Bull Run

    Bull Run
    In 1861 the battle of Bull Run took place in Virginia. The Union was winning until "Stonewall" Jackson's Virginian's made a stand.
  • Fighting Begins

    Fighting Begins
    On April 12, 1861 the American Civil War began. The North had many advantages such as population, railroad mileage, manufacturing plants, and industrial workers. The South had the advantages such as better generals, defence, and passion for independence.
  • Anaconda Plan

    Anaconda Plan
    In April at the Battle of Shiloh Grant and Bell defeated Johnston's CAS. Nearly 25,000 people were killed. Also the naval "blockade" captured New Orleans. In March, Monitor (Union) vs Merrimack (CSA) neither did much damage because the ships were made of steel. Going from March to July, Lee defeats McClellan in the Seven Day Battle, Richmond was protected.
  • The South Attacks

    The South Attacks
    Antietam, Maryland (Sept. 1862) Lee invades the North. CSA orders found wrapped around some cigars giving the North an Advantage. 12,000 people were killed in the first 3 hours and the battle ended as a draw.
  • Battle of Fredericksburg

    Battle of Fredericksburg
    Burnside attacked Lee. The Union lost 13,000 people and the CSA lost only 5,000 people. It was marked as a Confederate victory.
  • Emancipation Proclamation

    Emancipation Proclamation
    On January 1, 1863 Abraham Lincoln passed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed all slaved people in rebellious states. It also made all the foreign help that the CSA was receiving to stop helping them.
  • Chancellorsville

    Chancellorsville
    The battle took place between Joe Hooker and Robert E. Lee. This was Lee's greatest victory, a 12 mile surprise attack in the woods. Jackson was shot in the left arm and died from his wounds. This was also Lee's most costly loss.
  • Gettysburg

    Gettysburg
    Also known as "The turning point." Lee's army were looking for supplies and within 3 days nearly 50,000 people were killed marking a Union victory. And in November, 1863 the Gettysburg Address took place.
  • Election of 1864 and the End of the War

    Election of 1864 and the End of the War
    Lincoln defeats McClellan (Copperheads), ending any hope of a negotiated peace for the south. Lee surrenders to Grant on April 9, 1865 at the Appomattox Court House. Lincoln was then assassinated on April 14, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth.
  • Congress Steps In

    Congress Steps In
    In 1868 the 14th Amendment was put in place stating all persons born in the United States were citizens. It also prevents former CSA from holding political office. In 1867, the Military Reconstruction Act, split the South into 5 military zones (ran by the Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton). Also in 1867 the Tenure Act was passed. President Johnson fires Edwin Stanton and the House of Representatives files impeachment charges.
  • Election of 1868

    Election of 1868
    Grant won the Election of 1868 and the 15th Amendment was passed in 1870. The 15th Amendment said no citizen could be denied the right to vote based on color or race or previous servitude.