Historical Events tagged with "georgia"

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

North Carolina and Georgia Ratify 13th Amendment

December 4th, 1865 159 years ago

North Carolina ratified the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, abolishing slavery, followed by Georgia two days later. This ratification led to the legal freedom of enslaved individuals across the United States within weeks. The amendment solidified the conclusion of an era of legal slavery in the nation, marking a significant step towards civil rights and equality.

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Politics & Government

Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia Ratify Amendment

December 2nd, 1865 159 years ago

Alabama became the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment, immediately followed by North Carolina and Georgia. This vital action legally freed all enslaved individuals in the U.S. just two weeks later. The ratification signifies a crucial turning point in the American legal landscape, establishing freedom as a right for all individuals.

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Crime & Law

Execution of Major Henry Wirz for War Crimes

November 10th, 1865 159 years ago

Major Henry Wirz, the superintendent of the notorious Andersonville prison camp, was hanged for war crimes. The prison became infamous for its horrendous conditions, resulting in a high death toll among Union prisoners. Wirz's trial highlighted the harsh realities of captivity during the American Civil War. He was one of only three soldiers executed for such crimes, making his execution a significant moment in the war's legacy.

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Politics & Government

Dissolution of the Confederate Government

May 5th, 1865 159 years ago

The Confederate government was officially dissolved in Washington, Georgia, marking the end of the Confederacy following the Civil War. This decision came after the military defeat of Southern armies and growing disillusionment among its leadership. The dissolution was primarily orchestrated by President Jefferson Davis's cabinet as they faced the inevitability of surrender and the end of their independence. Washington served as a significant location for this formal announcement, symbolizing the collapse of the Confederate cause.

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Military & Warfare

Sherman Presents Savannah to Lincoln as a Gift

December 22nd, 1864 160 years ago

General William Tecumseh Sherman captured the city of Savannah, Georgia, bringing a strategic victory to the Union forces during the American Civil War. After his famous March to the Sea, Sherman’s Army of the Tennessee besieged Savannah and secured its surrender on December 21, 1864. On December 22, he communicated with President Abraham Lincoln, humorously offering Savannah as a Christmas gift amid the ongoing conflict. The capture of Savannah marked a significant moment in the war, effectively cutting off Confederate supply lines and showcasing the Union's military prowess.

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Military & Warfare

Sherman's Troops Reach Savannah's Defenses

December 10th, 1864 160 years ago

Major General William Tecumseh Sherman's Union Army troops reached the outer Confederate defenses of Savannah, Georgia. This milestone followed a relentless campaign that began in Atlanta, where Sherman's forces employed a strategy of total war, aiming to cripple the Confederate war effort. As they approached Savannah, they encountered minimal resistance, showcasing the depletion of Confederate resources and morale. The fall of Savannah was seen as critical to the Union's objective of dividing the Confederacy and hastening its defeat.

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Military & Warfare

Union Cavalry Victory at Waynesboro, Georgia

December 4th, 1864 160 years ago

Union cavalry forces achieved a decisive victory over Confederate cavalry in Waynesboro, Georgia, which was pivotal for Union Army operations. This clash effectively opened the pathway for General William T. Sherman's forces to advance toward the Atlantic coastline as they conducted their infamous march through the South. The Union's success at Waynesboro showcased their military strategies and mobility during the campaign, further undermining Confederate resistance in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Sherman's Bold March to Savannah

November 15th, 1864 160 years ago

Union General William Tecumseh Sherman commenced his March to the Sea from Atlanta, Georgia, aiming to cripple the Confederate war effort. Sherman’s army of 60,000 men marched across the state to Savannah, implementing a strategy of total war, intending to destroy both military targets and civilian infrastructure. The march covered approximately 300 miles and lasted until December 21. This campaign aimed to disrupt supply lines and will to fight for the Confederacy.

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Military & Warfare

Union Forces Evacuate Atlanta under Sherman

September 7th, 1864 160 years ago

Union General William Tecumseh Sherman ordered the evacuation of Atlanta as Confederate forces advanced. This strategic move facilitated Sherman's famous 'March to the Sea,' aimed at crippling the Southern war effort. The evacuation marked a turning point in the campaign, showcasing Sherman's strategy of total war against Confederate resources while bolstering Union morale.

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