The Civil War: Key Events and Turning Points in American History
The Civil War began with the South's secession after Lincoln's election, fueled by fears of radical changes. The conflict was marked by critical battles, including the first at Fort Sumter, where the South attacked and won, and a crucial turning point at Gettysburg, where the North achieved a significant victory. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in rebel states but excluded border states. Ulysses S. Grant led the North to victory, culminating in Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House in 1865. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address remains a pivotal moment in American history.
The Civil War: Key Events and Turning Points in American History
E N D
Presentation Transcript
The Civil War started with S.E.C.E.S.S.I.O.N.
S. South secedes after Lincoln election • South believes Lincoln is a radical • Believe he will abolish slavery
E. Earliest battle: Ft. Sumter • Ft. Sumter located in South Carolina • South attacks this federal Fort; Sumter surrenders
C. Civil War turning point: Gettysburg • Before Gettysburg: South wins almost every battle • Lee believes a victory in a northern state will end the war • Northern victory turns war against the Confederacy
E. Emancipation Proclamation • Issued by Lincoln after Battle of Antietam (1862) • Frees all slaves in rebellious states • Slaves in KY, MD, MS, and DE (border states) are not freed
S. South led by Robert E. Lee • Lee is from Virginia and a brilliant commander • Had been offered command of the Union army by Lincoln
S. Slaves join Union army • Free blacks and former slaves allowed to join Union army • 54th Massachusetts most famous African-American regiment
I. In north, Ulysses S. Grant commander • After a string of terrible generals, Grant takes over • Relentlessly attacks Lee’s army • Sends General Sherman on famous “March to the Sea”
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” O. Outstanding speech: Gettysburg Address • Lincoln dedicates Gettysburg cemetery • Speech only three minutes
N. North wins at Appomattox • April 9, 1865 Lee surrenders to Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia