Major Battles of the Civil War

Beginning, Middle and End

Secession – The withdrawal of 11 Southern states from the Union in 1860-1861, precipitating the U.S. Civil War.

Beginning – The South secedes

•        December 1860 – South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union 

•        February 1861 – Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia join South Carolina and form the Confederate States of America

Civil War begins at Fort Sumter, SC – April 12, 1861 – Confederate forces attack Fort Sumter before Union supplies could arrive. This attack starts the war and helps to convince people in North that war was necessary.

Middle (Turning Points)

The Battle of Gettysburg – Fought over the course of three days in Pennsylvania, it was the largest battle of the war. Lee’s army wanted to threaten Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore. After Pickett’s Charge failed, the Rebels were forced to retreat.

The Battle of Vicksburg – Ulysses S. Grant wins this battle and gives the Union control of the Mississippi River. It also cuts off Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas from the rest of the Confederacy.

End

Lee surrenders at Appomattox –  April 9, 1865 – Lee’s army is surrounded at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia  forcing their surrender. Over the next month, the remaining troops surrenders and the war ends on May 10th.