The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal moment in American history that shaped the nation’s identity and future. Here are some of the major events that occurred during this tumultuous period:

Fort Sumter (April 12-14, 1861): The Civil War began with the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter in South Carolina, a federal fort in Charleston Harbor. This marked the start of hostilities between the North (Union) and the South (Confederacy).

First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861): The first major battle of the war took place near Manassas, Virginia. It ended in a Confederate victory and shattered the Union’s hopes for a quick end to the conflict.

Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862): Fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland, this was the bloodiest single day in American history with over 23,000 casualties. The Union victory gave President Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863): President Abraham Lincoln issued this executive order, declaring all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free. While it did not immediately free all slaves, it shifted the focus of the war to include the abolition of slavery.

Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863): Fought in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, this was a turning point in the war. The Union victory halted General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of the North and inflicted heavy casualties on the Confederate Army.

Gettysburg Address (November 19, 1863): President Lincoln delivered this famous speech at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, emphasizing the principles of equality and democracy.

Sherman’s March to the Sea (1864): Union General William Tecumseh Sherman led a campaign through Georgia, destroying infrastructure and resources to break the Confederacy’s will to fight.

Surrender at Appomattox Court House (April 9, 1865): General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (April 14, 1865): President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., just days after the Confederate surrender.

These events, among many others, were significant in shaping the course of the American Civil War and its aftermath, ultimately leading to the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery in the United States.