Civil War - Causes, Dates & Battles

Introduction

• The American Civil War began in 1861 and ended in 1865.
• It was the deadliest conflict on American soil, with over 620,000 soldiers killed.
• Fought between northern states (Union) and southern seceding states (Confederacy).
• Central issues: slavery, states' rights, and westward expansion.

Causes of the Civil War

• Economic differences: industrial North vs. agricultural South reliant on slavery.
• Growing abolitionist movement in the North opposed slavery's expansion.
• Key events leading to war:
  • Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854): allowed territories to decide on slavery.
  • Dred Scott Decision (1857): confirmed legality of slavery in territories.
  • John Brown’s raid (1859): escalated tensions.
  • Election of Abraham Lincoln (1860): led to secession of Southern states.

Outbreak of the Civil War (1861)

• Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter, South Carolina.
• Resulted in four more states joining the Confederacy.
• Initial battles:
  • First Battle of Bull Run (1861): Confederate victory, delayed Union hopes of quick victory.

The Civil War in Virginia (1862)

• General McClellan's Peninsula Campaign aimed at capturing Richmond.
• Seven Days Battles: Confederate victory under Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
• Lee’s offensive into the North was stopped at the Battle of Antietam, Maryland.

After the Emancipation Proclamation (1863-4)

• Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing enslaved people in the Confederacy.
• Major battles:
  • Battle of Chancellorsville: costly Confederate victory.
  • Battle of Gettysburg (1863): turning point, massive Confederate casualties.
  • Siege of Vicksburg: Union gained control of Mississippi River.

Toward a Union Victory (1864-65)

• Ulysses S. Grant appointed supreme commander of Union forces.
• Sherman’s "March to the Sea" devastated Georgia, capturing key cities.
• Confederate capital Richmond fell in April 1865.
• Robert E. Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.

Conclusion

• The Union victory preserved the United States and ended slavery.
• Abraham Lincoln was assassinated shortly after the war's conclusion.

Additional Notes

• Harriet Tubman played a significant role as a spy and soldier for the Union.
• The Civil War's legacy continues to influence American history and culture.