Major Battles and Events of the Civil War

SOL USI 9e: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the causes, major events, and effects of the Civil War by: e) using maps to

explain critical developments in the war, including major battles.

Influence of Location and Topography on the War

1) The Union blockade of southern ports (e.g. Savannah, CHARLESTON, New Orleans)

Influence of Location and Topography on the War

2) Control of the Mississippi River (e.g., VICKSBURG)

3) Battle locations influenced by the struggle to capture capital cities (e.g. RICHMOND; Washington D.C.)

4) Control of the high ground (e.g. GETTYSBURG)

Major Battles and Events of the Civil War

1) Fort Sumter, S.C. – The war began here. April 12th-13th 1861

Major Battles and Events of the Civil War

2) The first Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) – The first MAJOR BATTLE, July 21st, 1861

Major Battles and Events of the Civil War

3) Emancipation Proclamation- The signing of this document made “FREEING THE SLAVES” the new focus of the war. Many freed slaves joined the UNION army. Took effect January 1st, 1863

Major Battles and Events of the Civil War

4) Battle of Vicksburg- Divided the South; the North then controlled the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. May 25 – July 4th 1863.

Major Battles and Events of the Civil War

5) Battle of Gettysburg- The turning point of the war; the North repelled LEE’S army. July 1-2, 1863

Gettysburg, PA: The site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Nearly 8,000 Union and Confederate soldiers died on this battlefield. Over 46,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing after these two days of battle.

Major Battles and Events of the Civil War

6) Appomattox Court House- Lee’s surrender to Grant here in 1865 ended the war. April 9th, 1865