Historical Review of the 1860s in the United States
This is a brief historical review of the 1860’s in United States, the decade’s most important events, and an in-depth summary of the most important event during this decade.
- LIST OF MAJOR EVENTS
· 1860 Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th president of the United States. · 1861 The attack on Ft. Sumter, by Confederation troops, starts the Civil War. · 1865 Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes booth. · 1865 The Civil War ends with the surrender of the Confederation at Appomattox.
· 1868 The 14th amendment is ratified, and grants full citizenship anyone born in the United States.
- MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENT
The most significant event is the attack on Ft. Sumter, which started the Civil War.
- BACKGROUND ON THE EVENT
Early in the morning, around 12:30 A.M, General Pierre Beauregard ordered his men to open fire on Ft. Sumter with over 50 cannons. This bombardment lasted over 36 hours. During this time a constant stream of cannon fire rained down upon Ft. Sumter. The men tried to fight back, but there were not enough to man all of the cannons. The steady rain of cannon shells tore down the four foot thick walls over the 36 hour period. Soon all the occupants had retreated, and then the Confederates took over the base. The base was not surrendered. After this attack, war was declared on the Confederation.
- SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EVENT
This event was significant because it started the Civil War, which was a major event in the history of the United States. The Civil War resulted in the second most causalities of any war the United States was involved in, which in itself is significant. Another reason this is significant is because it led to the 13th,14th, and 15th amendments. The attack on Ft. Sumter was significant because of what happened after, not because of the event itself.
- HOW THE EVENT AFFECTS US TODAY
This event affects us today because of the result of the attack. The Civil War brought three amendments to the Constitution, and freed all of the slaves, and both of these things still affect us today. The civil war helped to bring racial equality between the blacks and whites.
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