First Shots of the Civil War Fort Sumter First Shots of the Civil War

The fall of Fort Sumter Commander Anderson sent a message to Lincoln that the fort was low on supplies & Confederate leaders demanded its surrender. Lincoln sent unarmed group with supplies and stated he would not surrender nor attack first. Jefferson Davis orders a surprise attack before supplies could arrive : April 12th, 1861 No help came for the Union – high seas kept ships away April 14th, 1861 – Union Surrendered – No deaths Lincoln calls for troops! – Volunteers quickly signed up VA, NC, TN, AK voted to join the CSA in reaction to Lincoln’s call

The Rush to war Union response Confederate Response Lincoln calls for 7500 volunteers Northerners rush to enlist The remaining southern states must now chose a side 4 more states leave the union rounding off the Confederate States of America Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, & North Carolina. Confederate states ready to call up men

The Border states Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, & Missouri Maryland critical Washington, D.C., as risk surrounded by Confederate territory Missouri important Strategic access to the lower Mississippi River. Divided loyalties but not enough to pick one side over the other. Kentucky necessary The Ohio River border left the Union open to invasion – Government refused to take sides until later when they were invaded. These divided loyalties meant citizens fought on both sides. Brother vs. Brother

First battle of the Civil War Battle of bull Run First battle of the Civil War

Battle of bull run July 21st, 1861 Northern Virginia, (Manassas) near a river called Bull Run General Irvin McDowell led 30,000 Union soldiers attacked a smaller confederate force, led by General P.G.T Beauregard Hundreds of spectators watched from a few miles away Yankees(Union) drove Rebels (Confederate) back “Stonewall” Jackson – Confederate General –inspired to rally back

Bull Run Both sides lacked experience Confederates unleashed a savage counterattack – sending Union troops back – run into civilians fleeing in panic Loss shocked Northerners- Realization of long and difficult war New General – George B. McClellan, Army of Potomac- Train troops Call for 1 million volunteers for 3 years

First battle of the Civil War Battle of bull Run First battle of the Civil War

Battle of Antietam Single Bloodiest Day

Battle of Antietam Confederate General Lee splits his army into 4 parts to confuse the Union/McClellan Ordered each part to move in a different direction Never had a chance to work – Confederate officer lost his copy – 2 Union soldiers found it- gave to McClellan September 17th, 1862 – Both sides meet at Antietam in Maryland Key victory for the Union Deadliest (bloodiest) single day of fighting in the war 6,000 died – 17,000 wounded Lee retreated to Virginia because of the losses- strategy failed  

Battle of Gettysburg Most Decisive Battle

Battle of Gettysburg Southern Pennsylvania  Most decisive battle of the war Almost an accidental location Confederates enter looking for supplies – encounter the enemy 4 days later – Confederate crawl out with 25,000 causalities Union – Victory – 23,000 causalities July 1st, 1863 Union outnumbered – retreated to higher ground- Cemetery Ridge Confederate attack (Pickett’s Charge) designed to destroy the Union worked at first, but the amount of wounded and dead surpassed No help from Europe – Confederate lose

Battle of Vicksburg Turn of the Tide

Battle of Vicksburg • July 4th, 1863 – Same day as Lee retreated from Gettysburg • Vicksburg River fell under Union Control by General Grant • Grant attacked in April – cutting off food & supplies to the Confederates 77,000 Union troops fire into city • 47 day siege – 9,000 Confederate casualties, 10,000 Union • Many died from disease or starvation Fewer than 20 citizens killed • Confederate lost control of Mississippi – Union split the confederacy in two • Tide of the Civil War turned