Historical Events tagged with "Union"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Unconditional Pardons for Confederate Veterans

December 25th, 1868 156 years ago

United States President Andrew Johnson issued an unconditional pardon to all Confederate veterans, reintegrating them into American society. This decision was part of Johnson's lenient Reconstruction policies aimed at healing the nation post-Civil War. The pardons were an effort to restore civil rights to former Confederates, allowing them to own property and participate politically once more.

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Military & Warfare

Robert E. Lee's Final Address to His Troops

April 10th, 1865 159 years ago

Following his surrender to Union forces, Confederate General Robert E. Lee addressed his troops in Appomattox Court House, Virginia, providing a somber farewell. In this pivotal moment, Lee expressed gratitude for their loyalty and bravery while urging them to peacefully reintegrate into society. His address marked the end of their Confederate service, reinforcing unity and perseverance as they faced the loss of the war. The gathering signified not only the conclusion of Lee's command but also the lasting commitment of the soldiers to one another despite the outcome of the conflict.

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Military & Warfare

Union Victory at the Battle of Westport

October 23rd, 1864 160 years ago

The Battle of Westport was a major confrontation during the American Civil War, which took place in October 1864 in the vicinity of Kansas City, Missouri. The Union forces, commanded by Major General Samuel R. Curtis, faced off against Confederate General Sterling Price's army. This battle marked the last significant engagement west of the Mississippi River, culminating in a decisive Union victory. The Union's success effectively ended Confederate attempts to gain control in the region, solidifying their dominance in the western theater of the war.

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Military & Warfare

US Navy Captures Confederate Raider in Brazil

October 7th, 1864 160 years ago

In October 1864, the USS Wachusett, a Union Navy vessel, captured the Confederate raider CSS Florida in the Brazilian port of Bahia. The confrontation arose due to the ongoing war, as the Florida had been a thorn in the Union's side, disrupting trade and raiding Union merchant ships. The ship's captain, Charles Morris, ordered the arrest of the Florida while it was anchored, highlighting the international dimensions of the conflict, as Brazil was a neutral nation. The capture underscored the extensive reach of the Union Navy in its efforts to suppress Confederate maritime operations.

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Military & Warfare

Longstreet Abandons Siege of Knoxville, Tennessee

December 4th, 1863 161 years ago

Confederate General James Longstreet lifted his siege of Knoxville, Tennessee, after a prolonged effort to capture the city. The siege began in November and aimed to secure a strategic position for the Confederacy in East Tennessee. Longstreet's forces struggled against the fortified Union defenders led by General Ambrose Burnside, who successfully held the city despite the numerical superiority of the Confederate troops. The withdrawal marked an important moment in the broader context of the war as it underscored the challenges faced by Confederate forces in securing critical territories.

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Military & Warfare

Union Troops Land at Chickasaw Bayou

December 26th, 1862 162 years ago

Union General William T. Sherman led an assault at Chickasaw Bayou, where his forces began landing with the aim of advancing on Vicksburg, Mississippi. This operation was part of a broader strategy to gain control over the Mississippi River, crucial for logistics and supply lines. The landings set the stage for confrontations with Confederate forces defending the strategically vital city of Vicksburg during the American Civil War.

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Military & Warfare

Confederate Forces Stopped at Perryville

October 8th, 1862 162 years ago

The Battle of Perryville took place in Kentucky, where Union and Confederate forces clashed as the Confederates aimed to solidify their hold on the state. Key figures included Union General Don Carlos Buell and Confederate General Braxton Bragg. Over the course of the engagement, both sides experienced heavy casualties. The battle marked a critical moment, halting the Confederate advance into Kentucky and ultimately influencing the strategic direction of the war.

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Politics & Government

Kentucky's Secession Ordinance Filed

November 20th, 1861 163 years ago

On this date, the Confederate government of Kentucky officially filed a secession ordinance, marking a significant political maneuver during the American Civil War. This action aimed to align Kentucky with the Confederate States of America amid the turmoil of the ongoing conflict. The secession fueled tensions between pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions within the state and set the stage for further military and political actions in the region.

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