Beginning of time - 1860 - As in our OTL 1860 - South Carolina secedes 1861 - Six other southern states secede, four more following Battle of Fort Sumter; CSA Formed. June 30, 1862 - Point of Divergence - General George Meade killed at Battle of Glendale. Winter 1863 - Command of Army of the Potomac is given to General Joseph Hooker, dubiously known better for his alcoholism and tolerance of political cronyism than military prowess. Despite being routed by Robert E. Lee's forces at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May of 1863 he retains command as Lee's forces march into Pennsylvania.