My Top Ten: Civil War and Reconstruction Timeline by Desmond Rivera

The Missouri Compromise (1820)

desmond_rivera — 2025-10-07 04:45:37 UTC

I chose this event because, The Missouri Compromise was one of the major events that heightened tensions over slavery. But, it also failed to address the core issue of slavery ultimately contributing to the growing division that would eventually lead to the Civil War. It also illustrates the significance of the disputes between the Union and the Confederacy which would only lead to further disagreements and eventually lead us up to the Civil War and many more disputes. A major political impact it had was the 36'30 line which banned slavery north of the line in future territories but deepened the dispute between the North and South over slavery.

The Compromise of 1850

desmond_rivera — 2025-10-07 04:56:53 UTC

I chose this event because, The Compromise of 1850 intensified divisions of slavery by admitting California as a free state while enacting the Fugitive Slave Act. This event only deepened regional animosity. It also shows the effort made by President Zachary Taylor at the time trying his best to balance the slavery interests after the Mexican-American War. It also helped California enter as a free state which helped boost the economy through gold mining and trade along the Pacific.

(1854) The Kansas Nebraska Act

desmond_rivera — 2025-10-07 05:03:31 UTC

I chose this event because, The Kansas-Nebraska Act ignited conflict by allowing popular sovereignty to decide the slavery issue in certain territories. This was a major struggle between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions which socially deepened the divisions, leading the US closer and closer to war. It also signifies the advocates between anti and pro slavery for control of the new Kansas Territory therefore showing a dispute between the 2 for the territory.

(July 1-3 1863) The Battle of Gettysburg

desmond_rivera — 2025-10-07 05:38:15 UTC

I chose this event because, the Union Victory marked a turning point by halting the Confederate advance and crippling their chances of foreign support. This diminished the Confederacy's prospects of winning the war. This Battle was one of the Unions first big wins during the War against the Confederates which signifies their turning point during the war.

(Jan 1 1863) The Emancipation Proclamation

desmond_rivera — 2025-10-07 05:50:18 UTC

I chose this event because, the Emancipation redefined the conflict as a fight against slavery and allowed Black soldiers to join the Union which would strengthen forces and would only enlarge conflict because they were once slaved men and now they are freedmen fighting for their freedom. This also deepened political divisions within the Union because some Northern Democrats opposed it, fearing the social and economic consequences of the Emancipation.

(May 18 – July 4, 1863) Siege Of Vicksburg

desmond_rivera — 2025-10-13 04:57:53 UTC

I chose this event because, it gave control of the Mississippi River, which split the Confederacy in two. The Unions victory cut off their supplies and even their ability to fight. The siege of the Union crippled the Confederates war effort and was another massive turning point during the Civil War. The war had begun to change in the Unions Favor. Technologically, the siege of Vicksburg involved extensive warfare with both sides digging elaborate defensive lines.

(1865) Ku Klux Klan (KKK).

desmond_rivera — 2025-10-13 04:59:55 UTC

I chose this event because, the KKK showed its significance by using violence and fear to stop African American Rights from Gaining political and social rights. It first began as a secret social club, but quickly turned into a violent social organization that terrorized newly freed African Americans and those who supported Reconstruction. Even the government passed laws to suppress the group in the 1870's but it redeveloped several times.

(1865-1870)The Passage of the 13th, 14th, & 15th Amendments.

desmond_rivera — 2025-10-13 05:01:06 UTC

I chose this event because, it shows political significance by formally abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude which altered the social and economic future of the South. It also granted citizenship to all people born in the U.S. 18 years old and above including formerly enslaved people and excluding women.

The Compromise of 1877

desmond_rivera — 2025-10-13 05:02:01 UTC

I chose this event because, the Compromise led to withdrawal of federal troops from the South basically ending Reconstruction. This had a negative economic impact on the U.S. ending federal support for reconstruction, perpetuating economic stagnation, and limiting opportunities for Black Americans.

(1865) Black Codes

desmond_rivera — 2025-10-13 06:42:25 UTC

I chose this event because, The Black Codes it promoted racial violence and intimidation such as the KKK. The Black Codes also established a social system of separation and unequal treatment that would last for generations which impacted almost every aspect of Black American lives even to this day.