American Civil War Origins and Key Events

The American Civil War's Genesis

The Civil War was finally provoked by the election of Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). As a result of his election, South Carolina seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860. Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas followed.

Together, these states formed the Confederate States of America on February 4, 1861. Fighting began on April 12, 1861. In the South, there were only 5.5 million whites and over 3.5 million enslaved people.

Early Conflict and Proclamation

In July 1861, General Beauregard was in charge of 22,000 troops, while General McDowell marched south with over 30,000.

In August 1862, the two armies clashed at a battle known as the Second Bull Run (or Second Manassas).

On September 23, 1862, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Slaves would be made free in any states still in rebellion on January 1, 1863.

Lincoln's Assassination

John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865, shooting him in the head. Andrew Johnson subsequently took his place.

Post-War Growth and Global Events

Rapid US Population and Industrial Expansion

The population in the USA grew rapidly:

• In 1860, the population was 31 million.
• By 1900, it was almost 76 million.

In the late 19th century, the USA became the fastest-growing industrial nation in the world. In 1898, the USA fought a war with Spain.

The Cold War Context

The Cold War developed between the Soviet Union and the United States.

New York City: Manhattan's Structure

Manhattan is the center of American finance, advertising, art, theater, publishing, fashion, and much more. The major boroughs of New York City are:

• New York (Manhattan)
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• The Bronx
• Staten Island

Manhattan is divided into two sections: the East Side and the West Side. The dividing line is Fifth Avenue. Manhattan is also geographically divided:

• Lower Manhattan: Below 14th Street
• Midtown: Between 14th Street and Central Park
• Uptown: The northern part of the island

US States and Capitals Listing (Partial)

Here is a partial list of states and their capitals:

Northeast and South

• Alabama: Montgomery
• Alaska: Juneau
• Arizona: Phoenix
• Arkansas: Little Rock
• California: Sacramento
• Colorado: Denver
• Connecticut: Hartford
• Delaware: Dover
• Florida: Tallahassee
• Georgia: Atlanta
• Hawaii: Honolulu

Midwest and West

• Idaho: Boise
• Illinois: Springfield
• Indiana: Indianapolis
• Iowa: Des Moines
• Kansas: Topeka
• Kentucky: Frankfort (Note: Original text omitted, added standard capital)
• North Dakota: Bismarck
• Ohio: Columbus
• Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
• Oregon: Salem
• Pennsylvania: Harrisburg
• Rhode Island: Providence
• South Carolina: Columbia
• South Dakota: Pierre
• Tennessee: Nashville
• Texas: Austin
• Utah: Salt Lake City
• Vermont: Montpelier
• Virginia: Richmond
• Washington: Olympia
• West Virginia: Charleston
• Wisconsin: Madison
• Wyoming: Cheyenne