Civil War Causes and Events

The American Civil War began on April 12, 1861, with the Battle of Fort Sumter. Tensions over states' rights, slavery, and western expansion were heightened by Abraham Lincoln's election, leading to Southern secession. Fort Sumter, a key Union outpost, was besieged by Confederate forces, leading to its surrender after intense bombardment. This event rallied Northern support for the Union, prompting Lincoln to call for volunteers, escalating the conflict into a full-scale war lasting four years and causing over 600,000 deaths.

What event marked the beginning of the American Civil War?

• The election of Abraham Lincoln

• The Battle of Gettysburg

• The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation

• The Battle of Fort Sumter

Which issue was NOT a factor in the rising tensions before the Civil War?

• Industrialization

• Western expansion

• Slavery

• States' rights

What was the immediate consequence of Lincoln's election in 1860?

• The start of the Civil War

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The secession of seven Southern states

• The abolition of slavery

Who was the Confederate General who demanded the surrender of Fort Sumter?

• J. E. B. Stuart

• P. G. T. Beauregard

• Stonewall Jackson

• Robert E. Lee

How long did the bombardment of Fort Sumter last?

• 48 hours

• 12 hours

• 34 hours

• 24 hours

What was the impact of the fall of Fort Sumter on the Northern states?

• It led to the immediate end of the Civil War

• It caused widespread panic and retreat

• It galvanized support for the Union cause

• It resulted in the secession of more states

How many volunteers did President Lincoln call for after the fall of Fort Sumter?

• 150,000

• 100,000

• 75,000

• 50,000