Major Battles and Events of
the Civil War
SOL USI 9e: The student will demonstrate
knowledge of the causes, major events, and
effects of the Civil War by: e) using maps to
explain critical developments in the war,
including major battles.
Influence of Location and
Topography on the War
1) The Union blockade of southern ports (e.g.
Savannah, CHARLESTON, New Orleans)
Influence of Location and
Topography on the War
2) Control of the Mississippi River (e.g.,
VICKSBURG)
3) Battle locations influenced by the struggle
to capture capital cities (e.g. RICHMOND;
Washington D.C.)
4) Control of the high ground (e.g.
GETTYSBURG)
Major Battles and Events of the
Civil War
1) Fort Sumter, S.C. – The war began here. April 12th-13th 1861
Major Battles and Events of the
Civil War
2) The first Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) – The
first MAJOR BATTLE, July 21st, 1861
Major Battles and Events of the
Civil War
3) Emancipation
Proclamation- The
signing of this
document made
“FREEING THE
SLAVES” the new
focus of the war.
Many freed slaves
joined the UNION
army. Took effect
January 1st, 1863
Major Battles and Events of the
Civil War
4) Battle of Vicksburg- Divided the South; the North then
controlled the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. May 25 – July 4th
1863.
Major Battles and Events of the
Civil War
5) Battle of Gettysburg- The turning point of the war; the
North repelled LEE’S army. July 1-2, 1863
Gettysburg, PA: The site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Nearly 8,000
Union and Confederate soldiers died on this battlefield. Over 46,000 men
were killed, wounded, or missing after these two days of battle.
Major Battles and Events of the
Civil War
6) Appomattox Court House- Lee’s surrender to Grant
here in 1865 ended the war. April 9th, 1865