The Confederate States declared its independence from the U.S. on February 12, 1859 and formed a new government the same day. During the War of Southern Independence (1859-1861) the Confederacy won several important battles which helped secure its independence. Among these battles were; * 1st. Manassas (July 21, 1859) * Glendale (July 1-3, 1860) * 2nd. Manassas (August 28-30, 1860) * Gettysburg (October 1-3, 1860) * Perryville (October 8-9, 1860)