The US Civil War’s military history is defined by a series of pivotal battles and decisions that shaped its course. The conflict began with the bombardment of Fort Sumter in 1861, signaling a deep national division. Early combat at the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) shattered hopes for a swift resolution, revealing both the war’s length and brutality.

In 1862, the Battle of Antietam marked a critical turning point. Although tactically inconclusive, it halted General Lee’s advance into the North and provided President Lincoln the momentum to issue the Emancipation Proclamation—a decision that intertwined military strategy with profound moral and political implications.

The Siege of Vicksburg, which concluded in mid-1863, was equally decisive. The Union’s capture of the Confederate stronghold along the Mississippi River split the Confederacy and underlined the strategic importance of controlling key geographic regions. That same summer, the Battle of Gettysburg emerged as the war’s bloodiest encounter. Its heavy casualties and the thwarted Confederate invasion symbolized a shift in momentum towards the Union and emphasized the high stakes of national survival.

Subsequent campaigns, such as the Atlanta Campaign, showcased evolving military tactics that combined coordinated maneuvers, improved logistics, and industrial support. Each of these battles and decisions not only influenced the operational landscape of the war but also reflected the enduring struggle between competing visions of political legitimacy and human dignity.