What happened in July 1861?

The outbreak of the US civil war between the Southern and Northern states, which ended in 1865

The first battle of Bull Run in Virginia USA

The Southern Ports were blockaded by Union Navy

Quite a few things but the most significant would be the Confederate victory at the First Battle of Bull Run on the 25th. This sent shockwaves through the Union and created huge optimism throughout the South.

in July 1861, President Lincoln gave a speech to Congress, his inaugural speech and he spoke out about slavery

The first major battle of the American Civil War.

Known as The First Battle of Bull Run, this war was fought in Virginia and ended in a Confederate Victory.