The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a pivotal conflict in U.S. history with numerous significant events. Here’s an overview of some major events:

1. Secession and Outbreak

1860-1861: Secession Crisis: Following the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, several Southern states seceded from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America. This led to the secession of 11 states in total.

April 12, 1861: Attack on Fort Sumter: The war began when Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This Confederate victory led to President Lincoln calling for troops, escalating the conflict.

2. Major Battles and Campaigns

July 21, 1861: First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas): The first major battle of the war, resulting in a Confederate victory and dispelling the illusion that the conflict would be short.

February 1862: Battle of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson: Union General Ulysses S. Grant captured these forts in Tennessee, securing key victories in the Western Theater.

April 6-7, 1862: Battle of Shiloh: A bloody battle in Tennessee with significant casualties on both sides, showing the war would be long and costly.

September 17, 1862: Battle of Antietam: The bloodiest single-day battle in American history, resulting in a tactical draw but providing President Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

July 1-3, 1863: Battle of Gettysburg: A turning point in the war, this battle ended with a Union victory and marked the beginning of a shift in momentum.

November 19, 1863: Gettysburg Address: President Lincoln delivered this famous speech at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, reaffirming the principles of liberty and equality.

May 1864-April 1865: Overland Campaign: General Grant’s relentless campaigns in Virginia, including the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, and Cold Harbor, aimed to wear down Confederate forces.

September 2, 1864: Fall of Atlanta: General William Tecumseh Sherman captured Atlanta, boosting Northern morale and securing his famous “March to the Sea.”

3. Significant Legislation and Proclamations

January 1, 1863: Emancipation Proclamation: Issued by President Lincoln, this declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory, altering the character of the war by adding the abolition of slavery to the Union’s war goals.

1865: Thirteenth Amendment: Ratified on December 6, this amendment abolished slavery throughout the United States.

4. End of the War and Reconstruction

April 9, 1865: Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse: General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War.

April 14, 1865: Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre, just days after the war ended. Vice President Andrew Johnson became President.

May 1865: Remaining Confederate Surrenders: The last significant Confederate forces surrendered, concluding the war.

5. Post-War Impact

1865-1877: Reconstruction Era: A period of rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved people into society. It involved significant political, social, and economic changes and conflicts, leading to the eventual establishment of Jim Crow laws and continued racial tensions.

These events encapsulate the major milestones of the American Civil War, highlighting its profound impact on American history and society.