Major Events of the Civil War 9 th Grade American History Miss Mitton Click the flag to begin

Battle of Antietam September 17, 1862 First Battle of Bull Run July 21, 1861 Fort Sumter April Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3, 1863 Surrender at Appomattox April 9, 1865 Seven Days Battles June 25 – July Battle of Shiloh April 6-7, 1862 Siege of Vicksburg May 18 – July 4, 1863 Click on an event to learn more about it! When you’re done reading about all 8 events, answer the review question to see how much you’ve learned. Click for the Review Question

Battle of Fort Sumter Date: April 12-13, 1861 Deaths: North – 0 South - 0 Fort Sumter was the first military conflict of the Civil War. Confederate troops fired upon Fort Sumter when the Union refused to surrender it. The Union forces were outnumbered and had to surrender on April 13 th. Lincoln then called for 75,000 soldiers to fight what the North believed would only be a three-month war. Location: Charleston, South Carolina Back to Main Menu

First Battle of Bull Run Date: July 21, 1861 Deaths: North – 460 South The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major land battle of the Civil War. The battle began when Union troops attempted a march to take over the Confederate capital, Richmond, Virginia. Confederate forces fought back, and eventually the Union troops were pressured to withdraw. This battle showed the North that it would not be just a three-month war. Location: Manassas, Virginia Back to Main Menu

Battle of Shiloh Date: April 6-7, 1862 Deaths: North – 1754 South Location: Shiloh, Tennessee The Battle of Shiloh began when Confederate troops launched a surprise attack on Union forces that were camped in Tennessee. The Confederates held the upper hand on the first day, but were unsuccessful on the second day and were defeated. The Battle of Shiloh was the bloodiest battle in American History up until that point. Back to Main Menu

Seven Days Battles Date: June 25 – July 1, 1862 Deaths: North – 1734 South Location: Richmond, Virginia The Seven Days Battles were a series of six battles fought within a week. It was during these battles that General Lee took command of the Confederate Army and the South began its offensive campaign to keep the North from attempting to takeover Richmond, Virginia. Eventually, Northern troops had to withdraw to Harrison Landing. Back to Main Menu

Battle of Antietam Date: September 17, 1862 Deaths: North – 2108 South Location: Sharpsburg, Maryland The bloodiest single-day battle in U.S. history, Antietam began as an attempt by the south to show that it could win the war in order to gain help from countries like England and France. However, the battle ended in a draw. It was this battle that gave Lincoln the courage to announce the Emancipation Proclamation. Back to Main Menu

Battle of Gettysburg Deaths: North – 3155 South Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania The Battle of Gettysburg is often described as the turning point of the war and as the battle with the most casualties. It was Lee’s second attempt at a invasion of the North. After three days, however, Lee had to retreat his troops back to Virginia. After the battle ended, Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address to honor the fallen soldiers. Date: July 1-3, 1862 Back to Main Menu

Siege of Vicksburg Date: May 18 - July 4, 1863 Deaths: North – 4835 South Location: Vicksburg, Mississippi The Siege of Vicksburg was General Grant’s attempt at taking over the city. Union forces trapped Confederate troops in Vicksburg for almost 2 months. The south was forced to surrender the city when resources ran out. As a result, Confederate troops lost communication in the Trans-Mississippi Department for the rest of the war. Back to Main Menu

Surrender at Appomattox Date: April 9, 1965 Location: Appomattox, Virginia After four long years of fighting, the Confederacy was finally forced to surrender when the Union army under General Grant defeated the Confederate army under General Lee at the Appomattox Court House. Surrender papers were signed on April 9 th. A formal ceremony ending the war took place on April 12 th. Back to Main Menu

Review Question Which battle gave President Lincoln the courage to announce the Emancipation Proclamation? Battle of Fort Sumter Battle of Gettysburg Battle of Antietam

The Battle of Fort Sumter resulted in Lincoln calling for 75,000 soldiers, not making the Emancipation Proclamation. Try again! Back to Question

Lincoln made the Emancipation Proclamation after the Battle of Antietam. Good job! Continue

The Battle of Gettysburg resulted in Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address, not making the Emancipation Proclamation. Try again! Back to Question

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