american civil war History Timeline and Biographies

Election of Abraham Lincoln

The election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th President of the United States in November 1860 was a catalyst for the American Civil War. His anti-slavery platform alarmed Southern states, leading to their secession from the Union.

Start of the American Civil War

The American Civil War officially began on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This marked the first military engagement of the conflict and prompted President Lincoln to call for troops to suppress the rebellion.

First Battle of Bull Run

The First Battle of Bull Run, fought on July 21, 1861, was the first major battle of the American Civil War. The Confederate victory shocked the Union and illustrated that the war would be longer and more brutal than anticipated.

Battle of Antietam

Fought on September 17, 1862, the Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. The Union victory gave President Lincoln the confidence to issue the Emancipation Proclamation shortly thereafter, redefining the purpose of the war.

Emancipation Proclamation Issued

On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. This shifted the focus of the American Civil War toward a fight for freedom and human rights.

Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, was a turning point in the American Civil War. The Union victory ended General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North and marked a significant shift in momentum toward the Union forces.

Gettysburg Address Delivered

On November 19, 1863, President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery. This speech emphasized the principles of human equality and the purpose of the American Civil War as a struggle for a new birth of freedom.

Wilderness Campaign Begins

The Wilderness Campaign, initiated in May 1864, was a series of brutal battles between Union General Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate General Robert E. Lee. This campaign marked a shift in Union strategy, focusing on attrition to wear down Confederate forces.

Sherman's March to the Sea

General William Tecumseh Sherman led his infamous March to the Sea from Atlanta to Savannah in late 1864. This military campaign aimed to cripple the South's war effort by destroying infrastructure and civilian property, embodying the strategy of total war.

Fall of Richmond and Surrender at Appomattox

On April 3, 1865, Union forces captured Richmond, the Confederate capital. Shortly thereafter, on April 9, 1865, General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively bringing an end to the American Civil War.

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, just days after the end of the American Civil War. His death shocked the nation and had profound implications for the Reconstruction era that followed.

Ratification of the 13th Amendment

On December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery throughout the United States. This landmark legislation was a direct outcome of the American Civil War and represented a significant step toward civil rights.

Formation of the Ku Klux Klan

In 1866, the Ku Klux Klan was founded as a reaction to the changes brought about by the American Civil War and Reconstruction. This secret society aimed to maintain white supremacy through intimidation and violence against African Americans and their allies.

15th Amendment Ratified

The 15th Amendment was ratified on February 3, 1870, granting African American men the right to vote. This was a significant achievement of the Reconstruction era, which was a direct consequence of the American Civil War and its aftermath.