American Civil War Begins

Setting the scene

By 1861, the US was divided over slavery. Lincoln's 1860 election triggered secession. Seven states formed the Confederacy by February 1861 and seized federal forts, but Fort Sumter remained Union-held.

What happened

On April 12, 1861, Confederates fired on Fort Sumter. After 34 hours, the Union surrendered. Lincoln called for volunteers, prompting four more states to secede.

Why it still matters

The Civil War killed 750,000 Americans and ended slavery. It was the first industrial war. The Union victory preserved the nation and established federal supremacy. The war led to the 13th-15th Amendments. Fort Sumter began America's deadliest conflict and its second founding.

Background

It ended in 1865 after massive casualties.