Civil War Turning Point Research Paper

One of the darkest chapters in American history is the Civil War. Lasting from 1861-1865 and responsible for over 620,000 deaths, the “War Between the States” was fought over state’s rights and slavery.

Shortly after the election of Abraham Lincoln, who opposed slavery, seven southern states succeeded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. On April 12, 1861, the Confederates attacked Ft. Sumter, which was held by the federal government. Shortly after the attack, four more southern states joined the Confederacy.

The Confederacy seceded from the Union in 1860 and established their own Constitution. The South was an agrarian society, depending on crops during this time. They believed slaves were needed to help maintain

The South, who seemed to be winning, was now losing their strength. After the battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. The Gettysburg address went on to become one of the most well known, famous speeches ever delivered.

The battle of Antietam was another huge battle in the American Civil War. It was fought on September 17, 1862. There was over 23,000 casualties on both sides. It is considered, “the bloodiest single day of the Civil War.”

The “fall” of Fort Henry opened the Columbia and Tennessee rivers to be controlled by the Union. This was a disadvantage to the Confederates because they now were cut off to two important rivers. Just 10 days later, the capture of Fort Donelson happened. On February 16 General Ulysses Grant, of the Union, lit a spark on Fort Donelson. Fort Donelson was on the Cumberland River, close to Fort Henry. The Confederates ending up surrendering the fort, resulting in Union victory.

Since casualties were in such mass amounts, soldiers were usually buried wherever they died on the field. Most bodies were later moved to National cemeteries. There were over 600,000 deaths in this war. Many of these soldiers bodies still remain buried unknown