Major Events of the Civil War

Study Guide

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  Fort Sumter
  
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    The battle of Ft. Sumter marked the beginning of the Civil War. The South attacked Ft. Sumter to gain control of the Union fort that was located in the Confederacy. Because the North was low on supplies and men, the Confederates won this battle in less than two days.
    

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  Gettysburg
  
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    The battle of Gettysburg is remembered as the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. It is also important because it was one of only two battles that was fought on Union soil. It is also important because it was a turning point in the war. Before Gettysburg, the South was winning the war. After Gettysburg, the North was claiming victory.
    

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  Atlanta Campaign
  
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    The Atlanta Campaign was a series of battles fought between the North and South for the city of Atlanta, GA. Atlanta was the Confederate’s second most important city because of its railroads, supplies, and factories. Union General Sherman marched his men to Atlanta, won the city, then burned much of it to the ground.
    

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  Sherman’s March to the Sea
  
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    After winning Atlanta, Sherman marched his men across Georgia toward Savannah, GA. He and his men lived off of the land and destroyed almost anything else they didn’t need. He claimed this Confederate sea port without a fight. Winning Savannah also secured Abraham Lincoln’s reelection as president.
    

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  Appomattox Court House
  
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    It was in Appomattox Court House, Virginia, that Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. Although fighting continued for several months, this marked the beginning of the end of the Civil War.