Historical Events tagged with "confederate"

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

Woodrow Wilson Addresses Civil War Veterans

July 4th, 1913 111 years ago

On July 4, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson addressed thousands of American Civil War veterans during the Great Reunion held at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This event commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War. The gathering was significant not only for its scale, with veterans from both the Union and Confederate sides present, but also for Wilson’s message of reconciliation and healing. The speech emphasized unity for the nation amidst lingering divisions, and concluded with a call for Americans to look toward the future together.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Veterans Unite at Great Reunion in Gettysburg

June 25th, 1913 111 years ago

Descendants of veterans from the American Civil War gathered for a monumental reunion in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This occasion marked the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and aimed to foster unity and reconciliation between former Union and Confederate soldiers. Thousands of veterans, many in their 70s and 80s, converged to honor their shared history and commemorate the sacrifices made during the war. The event featured speeches, parades, and various ceremonies designed to promote healing and mutual respect among former foes.

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Politics & Government

Georgia's Final Readmission to the Union

July 15th, 1870 154 years ago

Georgia was readmitted to the Union, becoming the last former Confederate state to do so, following the conclusion of the Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. The decision was a significant step toward reconstruction and reintegration of Southern states into the United States. This readmission came after extensive political changes and the implementation of new civil rights legislation aimed at rebuilding the post-war South. Georgia's acceptance indicated a developing willingness for former Confederate states to rejoin the Union under new terms which sought to ensure civil rights for formerly enslaved people.

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Politics & Government

Violence Erupts Between Confederate Veterans and Republicans

July 30th, 1866 158 years ago

Armed Confederate veterans in New Orleans clashed with Radical Republicans during a political gathering, resulting in 48 fatalities and over 100 injuries. The confrontation stemmed from rising tensions in post-Civil War America, particularly as Radical Republicans sought to reshape the Southern political landscape. This significant incident highlighted the ongoing conflict between differing ideologies in the Reconstruction Era and escalated divisions in the community.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Formation of the Ku Klux Klan

December 24th, 1865 159 years ago

Former Confederate officers, including Frank McCord, Richard Reed, John Lester, John Kennedy, J. Calvin Jones, and James Crowe, established the Ku Klux Klan in Pulaski, Tennessee. They aimed to create a secret society to oppose Reconstruction and promote white supremacy, using intimidation and violence. The group quickly began to attract additional members, becoming notorious for its activities and influence in the Southern United States.

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Military & Warfare

Stand Watie Surrendered Last Confederate Army

June 23rd, 1865 159 years ago

Confederate Brigadier General Stand Watie surrendered at Fort Towson in the Oklahoma Territory, marking the end of significant Confederate military resistance. This surrender came two months after General Robert E. Lee's capitulation, highlighting the dwindling Confederate efforts in the west. Watie's forces were the last substantial Confederate army, signaling the collapse of the Confederate cause in the region and the broader defeat of the Confederacy.

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Military & Warfare

Edmund Kirby Smith Surrenders in Texas

May 26th, 1865 159 years ago

Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith surrendered in Galveston, marking the final capitulation of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. This surrender came after a series of defeats for the Confederate forces, which ultimately led to the disbandment of their army and the end of the war. The surrender signified the last significant offer of resistance in the Trans-Mississippi region, solidifying the Union's victory. Smith's decision to surrender was influenced by the deteriorating situation for the Confederacy.

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Military & Warfare

Final Land Battle in the American Civil War

May 12th, 1865 159 years ago

The Battle of Palmito Ranch marked the last major land action of the American Civil War, taking place near Brownsville, Texas. Confederate forces, under the command of General John S. Griffith, achieved a tactical victory against Union troops commanded by Major General Daniel Sickles. This battle occurred after the official surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, highlighting the lingering conflicts in the farthest reaches of the Confederacy. The Union forces were ultimately forced to retreat, consolidating the Confederate success in the confrontation.

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Military & Warfare

Union Ambushes Confederate Raider William Quantrill

May 10th, 1865 159 years ago

Union soldiers in Kentucky ambushed Confederate raider William Quantrill, who was gravely injured during the encounter. Quantrill, a notorious figure in the Civil War, lingered in pain for nearly a month before succumbing to his injuries. The ambush underscored the ongoing conflict and tensions even after the official end of the war. His death marked a significant moment in the history of guerrilla warfare in the region.

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