Fort Sumter and the Start of the American Civil War

Matthew Pinsker, a historian, discusses the significance of Fort Sumter in the Civil War. The conflict began with the secession crisis following Lincoln's election, leading to the formation of the Confederacy. Lincoln's strategy to reprovision Fort Sumter with humanitarian supplies was seen as aggressive by the Confederates, resulting in a bombardment and the fort's surrender. This event marked the start of the American Civil War.

What event is Fort Sumter most associated with?

• The end of the Civil War

• The start of the Civil War

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The Battle of Gettysburg

What triggered the secession crisis in December 1860?

• The Battle of Bull Run

• The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation

• The attack on Fort Sumter

• The election of Abraham Lincoln

How many states initially formed the Confederacy?

• Nine

• Seven

• Eleven

• Five

What was one proposed strategy for dealing with federal fortifications?

• Withdraw all troops

• Offer humanitarian relief without arms

• Launch a full-scale attack

• Ignore the fortifications

What was Lincoln's decision regarding Fort Sumter?

• To resupply it with humanitarian aid

• To abandon the fort

• To negotiate a peace treaty

• To attack the Confederates

How did the Confederates view Lincoln's plan to resupply Fort Sumter?

• As a peaceful gesture

• As a sign of weakness

• As a diplomatic move

• As an aggressive act

Who ordered the surrender of Fort Sumter?

• General Ulysses S. Grant

• General Robert E. Lee

• General Pierre Beauregard

• General William T. Sherman

How long did the bombardment of Fort Sumter last?

• 24 hours

• 12 hours

• 48 hours

• 34 hours

What was the outcome of the bombardment of Fort Sumter?

• A peace treaty was signed

• The fort was destroyed

• The Confederates took control

• The Union retained control

What major conflict was initiated by the events at Fort Sumter?

• The American Revolutionary War

• The War of 1812

• The American Civil War

• World War I