Casualties: 17,500 from the Union and Confederate side together.

Summary: The Battle of the Wilderness had no victory from either side. Although, they did make the first step for the Union towards the Confederate side in the capital of Richmond. This battle was led by the Union General Ulysses S. Grant.

Citations: Heidler, David S. and Jeanne T. Heidler. "Battle of the Wilderness." American History, ABC-CLIO, 2025, americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/252727. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Summary: This battle was important because it was the first battle of the American Civil War to take place in South Carolina. The Union had the goal to guard Charleston Harbor which the Confederates were attacking. The Union had to surrender therefore the Confederate side won.

Citations: Heidler, David S., and Jeanne T. Heidler. "Battle of Fort Sumter." American History, ABC-CLIO, 2025, americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/1300626. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Casualties: There were around more than 20,000 solider dead and wounded.

Summary: There was no winner in this battle, both the Union and Confederate side lost equal people. Since there was no winner, Abraham Lincoln wanted to continue freeing slaves so in order to do so he announced the Emancipation Proclamation as a victory.

Citations: "Battle of Antietam." American History, ABC-CLIO, 2025, americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/253190. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Summary: This battle was important because it was the first major battle of the Civil War, and it was fought by the Union. The name "Bull Run" came from a guy named McDowell who when he arrived to Manassas he found out that the Confederates were staying behind a stream called Bull Run. Which is when he drew up a plan to go attack. The southern side ended up winning.

Ciatations: Heidler, David S. and Jeanne T. Heidler. "First Battle of Bull Run." American History, ABC-CLIO, 2025, americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/276438. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Summary: The Union lost terribly and were forced to surrender. They had to surrender to Washington D.C.'s defenses. The Union side Won the first battle of the Bull Run but lost the second, they took it as a surprise but the Confederates were ready to avenge their loss.

Citations:Heidler, David S. and Jeanne T. Heidler. "Second Battle of Bull Run." American History, ABC-CLIO, 2025, americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/290157. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Summary: The Union side won the battle, Gettysburg stopped the Confederate general Robert E. Lee attempts to attack the North for a second time and tries to end the Civil War. The loss they had discouraged the Confederates of the chance to become free and separate from the Union.

Citations: Heidler, David S. and Jeanne T. Heidler. "Battle of Gettysburg." American History, ABC-CLIO, 2025, americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/252843. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Summary: The battle of Shiloh was important because Confederates and Federals fought together as a Union to fight against Nashville, Tennessee and the Union won the battle.

Citations: Heidler, David S. and Jeanne T. Heidler. "Battle of Shiloh." American History, ABC-CLIO, 2025, americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/276435. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.