April 12, 1861: The Start of the American Civil War

Outbreak of Hostilities

The American Civil War, also known as the War between the States or the War of the Rebellion, began on April 12, 1861, with the attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.

Antecedents and Causes

The war was a culmination of decades of tension between the Northern and Southern states over slavery, economic differences, and political power. By December 1860, seven Southern states had seceded from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America.

President Abraham Lincoln declared the secession illegal and vowed to preserve the Union. The attack on Fort Sumter by Confederate forces forced Lincoln to respond, leading to the outbreak of war.