Civil War Key Battles and Turning Points.ppt

Fort Sumter

The first battle of the Civil War where the Confederacy opened fire on the Union fort.

Gettysburg

An important turning point battle for the North lasting three days, resulting in a Union victory.

Emancipation Proclamation

Lincoln's 1863 statement that freed slaves in Confederate states.

Gettysburg Address

Lincoln's speech that inspired Union troops to continue fighting for their country.

Appomattox Courthouse

The location where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Grant, ending the Civil War.

Confederate States of America

Government formed by Southern states that seceded from the Union, supporting states’ rights and slavery.

Jefferson Davis

President of the Confederate States during the Civil War.

54th Massachusetts Regiment

The first all-black regiment to fight in the Civil War, notable for its bravery.

Robert E. Lee

General of the Confederate Army who led troops during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Union Army

The army that fought against the Confederates, composed of the states loyal to the U.S.

What was the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation?

It declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate states, shifting the war aims of the North to include ending slavery.

What is the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg?

The Battle of Gettysburg was a crucial turning point in the Civil War, marking a decisive Union victory and halting the Confederate invasion of the North.

Battle of Antietam

The bloodiest single-day battle in American history, fought on September 17, 1862, resulting in a tactical draw but a strategic victory for the Union.

What is the significance of Fort Sumter?

Fort Sumter was the first battle of the Civil War where the Confederacy opened fire on the Union fort.

What was the significance of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment?

The first all-black regiment to fight in the Civil War, notable for its bravery.

Civil War

A conflict in the United States from 1861 to 1865 between the North (Union) and South (Confederacy) primarily over slavery and states' rights.

The Civil War

A conflict in the United States from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy), primarily fought over issues of slavery and states' rights.

Battle of Bull Run

The first major battle of the Civil War, fought on July 21, 1861, resulting in a Confederate victory.

Battle of Shiloh

A major battle in Tennessee on April 6-7, 1862, resulting in a Union victory, but with heavy casualties.

Battle of Vicksburg

A crucial battle from May 18 to July 4, 1863, where the Union gained control of the Mississippi River.

Total War

A military strategy that involves not just defeating the enemy's forces but also attacking their economy and civilian resources.

Sherman's March to the Sea

General Sherman’s military campaign from Atlanta to Savannah in late 1864 aiming to destroy Confederate supplies.

Conscription Act

A law passed by the Union in 1863 to draft soldiers for the Civil War.

Copperheads

Peace Democrats in the North who opposed the Civil War and wanted an immediate peace settlement with the Confederacy.

Petersburg Siege

A series of battles around Petersburg, Virginia, that lasted from June 1864 to April 1865, leading to the fall of Richmond.

John Wilkes Booth

The assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, who was motivated by his Confederate sympathies.

Reconstruction Era

The period after the Civil War (1865-1877) focused on rebuilding the United States and integrating the Southern states back into the Union.

Black Codes

Laws passed in Southern states after the Civil War to restrict the rights of newly freed African Americans.

13th Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that abolished slavery in the United States.

14th Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting citizenship and equal protection under the laws to all born or naturalized in the U.S.

15th Amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that granted African American men the right to vote.

Union Victory

A term describing the outcomes of battles during the Civil War where the Union forces succeeded against the Confederates.

Confederate Victory

A term describing the outcomes of battles during the Civil War where the Confederate forces succeeded against the Union.

Anaconda Plan

The Union's strategic plan during the Civil War aimed at strangling the Southern economy through blockades.

Battle of Atlanta

A significant battle fought in 1864 during the Civil War, resulting in a Union victory and contributing to the re-election of Lincoln.

Battle of Gettysburg Address

A speech given by Lincoln to commemorate the Union victory at Gettysburg and reaffirm commitment to national unity.

Fall of Richmond

The event in April 1865 when the Confederate capital was captured by Union forces, facilitating the end of the Civil War.

Dred Scott Decision

An 1857 Supreme Court ruling that stated African Americans could not be American citizens and invalidated the Missouri Compromise.

Army of Northern Virginia

The principal military force of the Confederate States in the Eastern Theater during the Civil War, commanded by General Lee.

Battles of the Wilderness

A series of battles in May 1864 between Grant's Union forces and Lee's Confederate forces, marked by brutal fighting.

Surrender at Appomattox

The event on April 9, 1865, when General Lee surrendered his army to General Grant, effectively ending the Civil War.

Copperhead Movement

A peace movement in the North during the Civil War advocating for an immediate end to hostilities with the South.

Gettysburg Campaign

A military campaign in 1863 that culminated in the Battle of Gettysburg, a significant turning point in the Civil War.

Fort Henry and Fort Donelson

Union victories in February 1862, which opened the path to the Confederate heartland in Tennessee.

Civil War Amendments

The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments which abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and secured voting rights for African Americans.