What was the Civil War?

The Civil War was from 1861 to 1865. In 1861 11 states seceded and created the Confderate States of America. Over the next four years the confederacy fought the Northern States. Many people died during the Civil War. Most of the fighting during the Civil War was fought in the southern states. The Civil War finally ended in 1865 with the surrender of the Confederate Army.

What caused the Civil War?

The Civil War was fought over the issue of slavery. Slavery had been part of American History since the beginning. Some states wanted to have slavery and other states did not. The fight over this issue would eventually lead to the Civil War.

What was slavery?

Slavery is a brutal part of American History. Slaves were kept as property and used as labor on plantations, large farms. Slaves were often separated from their families when they were bought or sold.

The First Shots Are Fired at Fort Sumter in South Carolina

When a ship tried to resupply the US Army post at Fort Sumter a South Carolina militia opened fire on them. A militia is a group of armed citizens who fight in emergencies. After the attack on the US Army the Civil War began.

Famous Battle of the Civil War

There were many large battles during the Civil War. Many Americans died in the Civil War on both sides. Soldiers used guns and cannons to shoot and kill each other. The Battle in this painting is the Battle of Gettysburg. In 1863 the Confederate General Robert E Lee was defeated by Union General Meade. This is considered the most important battle of the Civil War.

Famous Leaders of the Civil War: Abraham Lincoln

The most famous leader of the Civil War was Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln was elected in 1860 as the Republican Candidate for President. Lincoln became one of the most famous presidents because of his leadership during the civil War. President Lincoln is also famous for freeing the American Slaves through the Emancipation Proclamation and helping pass the 13th Amendment. unfortunately, President Lincoln was killed by John Wilkes Booth in 1865.

Famous Leaders of the Civil War: Jefferson Davis

In 1861 when the Southern states seceded, or left, the Union, Jefferson Davis was elected to become the President of the Confederate States of America. President Davis would lead the Southern rebels during the four years of the Civil War.

The Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment

After three years of war President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves in the rebel states. In 1865 the 13th Amendment to the Constitution freed all slaves in the United States. Slavery would never be allowed again in the United States.