Fort Sumter--The Beginning of the Civil War

Fort Sumter, in South Carolina, was where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Click here see an animated video/map of the Battle of Fort Sumter. For more information follow this link to ushistory.org.

The Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point in the Civil War. The confederates had won a series of battles and were fighting in Pennsylvania, northern territory, for the only time in the war. If they had won the Battle of Gettysburg and continued advancing, the war may have ended very differently. See an animated version of the Battle of Gettysburg here. For more information about Gettysburg visit ushistory.org. You can also get a great overview of the battle at History.com.

The Atlanta Campaign

General Sherman conducted a military campaign straight down into the heart of the south. His goal was to destroy southern morale and end the war. The website linked here will provide all the details you could want in an animated version of the Battle of Atlanta. To learn more about the North's plan to end the war visit the us history.org page on the Atlanta Campaign. 

Videos:

• Battle of Atlanta by History.com

Sherman's March to the Sea

After destroying Atlanta, General Sherman continued to march his army from Atlanta, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. His purpose was to destroy everything in his path, including homes and farms. He hoped that if they did enough destruction, then the south would no longer want to continue the war. His march concluded in December of 1864. By April of 1865, the South surrendered. To view an animation and learn more about Sherman's March click here.

The End of the War--Appomattox

After Sherman's long march to the sea, crippled the south's ability to continue fighting, Robert E. Lee finally surrendered at Appomattox Court House, following a series of battles. To see animation of the final battles of the war leading up to Appomattox click here. For more information about Appomattox visit ushistory.org.