Battles of the U.S. Civil War

Fort Sumter The Confederate troops (southern) claimed that if the Union (northern) brought any troops down to Ft. Sumter, off the coast of South Carolina, they would retaliate Lincoln decided to do it anyway, sending down a supply ship to resupply and re-man the fort Confederate troops fire the first shot upon the fort on April 12, 1861 on order from Colonel Chestnut

1st Battle of Bull Run Also known as the 1st Battle of Manassas on Fought near the town of Manassas, VA in July, 1861 Union leader: Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell Confederate leader: Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard What happened? Con. Gen. Jackson earns the nickname “Stonewall” because of his refusal to give up his position Union retreats back to Washington DC in shambles Result: Confederate victory, McDowell is replaced by McClellan as Union leader

Shiloh Date: April 6-7, 1862 Location: Tennessee Union Leader: Maj. Gen. Grant Confederate Leader: Gen. Johnston, Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard What happened? The south was desperate for a win after the losses in Kentucky and Ohio An initial attack from the Confederates forced the Union back. The next day, the Union troops regained the lost ground. Each side suffered over 10,000 casualties Result: Union victory, Grant’s troops gained momentum and confidence in themselves

2nd Battle of Bull Run Fought near the town of Manassas, VA on August 29-30, 1862 Union leader: Major John Pope Confederate leader: Gen. Robert E. Lee What happened? Pope thought that because of his superior numbers, he could out maneuver the Confederates; he failed Jackson, Longstreet, and Lee all successfully defended Manassas Result: Confederate victory, Lee had not successfully destroyed Pope’s army as he had wanted

Richmond Battle fought from August 29-30, 1862 in Kentucky Union Leader: Maj. Gen. William “Bull” Nelson Confederate Leader: Maj. Gen. Kirby Smith What Happened? The Confederates launched the Kentucky Campaign The Confederates successfully pushed the Union troops out of Kentucky Result: Confederate Victory, northern route towards Lexington and Frankfort were opened

Antietam Fought on September 17, 1862 near Antietam Creek in Sharpsburg, MD. Union leader: General George McClellan Confederate Leader: General Robert E. Lee Bloodiest day of the war Union causalities: 12,410 Confederate causalities: 13,724

Antietam What happened? One of only two victories fought in the North Lee invaded Maryland hoping the state would join the Confederacy Lee becomes pinned down at Antietam Creek Union forces the south back to Virginia Result: Union victory, this is the battle that helps Lincoln to decide to create the Emancipation proclamation.

Antietam **Springboard for Emancipation Proclamation –freed slaves in states in rebellion only It turned the struggle to preserve the Union into a crusade for freedom – “If my name ever goes down in history, it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it.”

The Battle of Vicksburg When: May 19-July 4, 1863 Vicksburg, MS Union Leader: Major General Grant Confederate Leader: General Johnston Mississippi River was one of the most important economic features of the country

Vicksburg What happened? Grant decided that he had to lay siege to the city On May 26, 13 approaches were constructed along the Confederate defense line The goal was to tunnel down and around the Confederates to reach Vicksburg Result: Union victory, it took 3 months for the Union to successfully take Vicksburg. It was one of the most important victories for the Union, as it split the Confederate forces by the river.

Gettysburg July 1-3, 1863 in Gettysburg, PA Started near a shoe factory in a small college town Lots of stone, hills, ridges - Union held high ground Union leader: General Meade Confederate leader: General Robert E. Lee

Gettysburg What happened? Considered the turning point Little Round Top – Union soldiers had to hold to the advantage on the hill that they established with few troops against the large Confederate army Pickett’s Charge – the Confederate attempt to launch a frontal assault of the Union stronghold on the hill Result: Union victory, Lee is forced to retreat to Virginia. This was the last attempt the South would have to invade the North.

Causalities in the Battle of Gettysburg

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Significance? Lincoln discusses the heroics of the Union troops at Gettysburg and America’s need to defend liberty and justice

Sherman’s March to the Sea Sherman marched through many cities in the Georgia, most famously in Atlanta, GA July 20-September 2,1864 Union Leader: Gen. William Sherman Confederate Leader: Gen. John Hood What happened? Sherman burned many cities in the Georgia to the ground Immortalized by “Gone with the Wind” The Union looted and plundered, destroying almost everything in their path Result: Union victory, the Union was viewed as the winner even though many looked down upon the destroying of innocent people in Georgia

Appomattox On April 9, 1865  Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia Lee officially surrenders to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant Formal surrender papers are signed at Wilmer McLean’s home, whose home was damaged in the 1st battle of the Civil War.

Causalities on both sides