The Confederacy gears up for war by increasing the military, while pundits weigh the chances for Confederate independence.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
The Confederacy gears up for war by increasing the military, while pundits weigh the chances for Confederate independence.
Jefferson Davis delivers a message to the Confederate Congress condemning the Lincoln administration’s declaration of war against the Confederacy.
The Confederacy adopts a permanent Constitution, similar to the U.S. but with key exceptions.
The Provisional Confederate Congress enacts new laws, including those to bolster national defense and issue national currency.
New Confederate President Jefferson Davis works to build the executive department from scratch, while the Provisional Congress addresses national defense.
The new Confederate vice president takes office, and the Provisional Congress gets started on making laws for the new nation.