This was the first battle of the Civil War, and it was fought because Lincoln didn't want to lose Fort Sumter. There was an attempt to resupply the fort and the Union soldiers who were there. Confederate forces had secured the harbor, so the supplies could not be delivered. The Union did not give up the fort, so the Confederates took it. There were only 80 Union soldiers and 500 Confederate soldiers.

Attack on Fort Sumter

(April 12, 1861 – April 14, 1861)

Confederate Victory

There was a lot of pressure on Lincoln's administration to end the Southern rebellion, and this was the first significant battle between Northern and Southern forces. The Confederates won this battle.

The First Battle of Bull Run

(July 21, 1861)

Confederate Victory

Because the Confederates lost this battle, they lost possible support from England and France. September 17, 1862 is known as the bloodiest day in American History because of the amount of men that were killed. Almost 23,000 people were killed in one day.

Battle of Antietam

(September 17, 1862)

Union Victory

Robert E. Lee tried to invade the North for the second time, but failed again. He and his troops made it to Virginia, where they were met by Union forces led by Major General George G. Meade. There were around 51,000 casualties during this battle.

Battle of Gettysburg

(July 1, 1863 - July 3, 1863)

Union Victory