The Election of 1860 and Secession

The first fort attacked in the Civil War, leading to its surrender on April 14, 1861.

The act of Southern states leaving the Union, starting with South Carolina in 1860.

A new state formed by Union supporters in western Virginia, created in December 1862.

Victorious in the 1860 election, he had no Southern electoral votes and opposed slavery's expansion.

Political stance centered on free soil, attracting anti-slavery voters, leading to Lincoln's election.

A speech by Lincoln emphasizing the sectionalism and slavery issue, stating a nation divided cannot stand.

A series of debates between Lincoln and Douglas in 1858 focused on slavery's expansion.

Douglas' assertion that territories could exclude slavery despite the Dred Scott decision.

A prominent Democrat who opposed Lincoln in the 1858 Senate election.

Lincoln's emergence as a national figure occurred after the 1858 election and debates.

A pivotal event that split the Democratic Party into Northern and Southern factions over slavery.

An election in which Lincoln gained national visibility despite losing; Democrats lost House majority.

Party formed to prevent secession during the Election of 1860.

Government formed by seceding southern states.

President of the Confederate States of America.

Belief that states have the right to govern themselves.

Speech where Lincoln tried to reassure Southerners about slavery.

Lincoln received 40% popular, but secured 180 electoral votes.

Virginia seceded from the Union, joining on April 17, 1861.

Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri stayed in the Union as slave states.

The Civil War officially began after Fort Sumter's surrender in April 1861.

Lincoln won the election of 1860 without Southern electoral support.

West Virginia was created in December 1862 by Union supporters in Virginia.

A speech emphasizing the sectional tensions and the issue of slavery in America.

Division of the Democratic Party into Northern and Southern factions over the slavery issue.

The election where Lincoln won with no Southern electoral votes but a significant popular vote.

Key Democratic candidate in 1860, criticized for his Freeport Doctrine by Southern Democrats.

Lincoln gained national visibility despite losing, and Democrats lost House majority.

States that declared their intention to leave the Union starting with South Carolina on December 20, 1860.

The document adopted by seceding states, resembling the U.S. Constitution.

Southern states claimed the election of Republicans threatened their rights and slavery.

In his inaugural address, Lincoln assured Southerners he would not interfere with slavery.

Fort Sumter was running low on supplies leading to a U.S. relief expedition.

Formed to prevent secession during the Election of 1860 and nominated John Bell.

Stephen Douglas won only one state (Missouri) and a total of 12 electoral votes.

Carried the South, winning 11 slave states but only achieving 72 electoral votes.

The North had greater industry, a larger population, and more transportation infrastructures.

The South benefited from well-trained generals, high troop morale, and knowledge of local terrain.

The first major battle of the Civil War, where the Union faced an unexpected defeat in July 1861.

A strategy to blockade Southern ports, crippling the Confederacy's supply lines.

A strategic phase in which the Union aimed to gain control of the Mississippi River for supplies.

A military strategy involving the destruction of civilian resources to break the enemy's will.

The leadership of military figures like 'Stonewall' Jackson and Ulysses S. Grant shaped battle outcomes.

The final phase where Grant's forces captured the Confederate capital on April 3, 1865.

Site of General Lee's surrender to Grant on April 9, 1865, marking the end of the Civil War.

One in eight Union soldiers was Black, mostly former enslaved individuals, fighting bravely despite discrimination.

The first official Black regiment organized in the Civil War, showing courage and bravery.

Lincoln's 1863 decree that freed enslaved people in Confederate states, encouraging Black enlistment.

Black soldiers received lower pay and menial tasks, facing significant challenges during service.

A pivotal moment often marked by the Union victories at Vicksburg and Gettysburg in July 1863.

A critical Union victory in July 1863 that forced Lee's retreat and marked a shift in the war's momentum.

Union victory at Vicksburg on July 4, 1863, gave control of the Mississippi River and divided the Confederacy.

An award given to recognize acts of bravery; 21 Black soldiers received it during the Civil War.

The Confederacy demonstrated bold military actions early in the war but ultimately failed to sustain them against the Union.

A military campaign by Union General William T. Sherman aimed at destroying Southern infrastructure and morale.