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Fort Sumter 1861: Civil War Begins — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
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W.4.2

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This passage explores the pivotal events at Fort Sumter in April 1861, marking the beginning of the American Civil War. Students will analyze the causes, motivations, and consequences of the attack on Fort Sumter, examining the perspectives of both Union and Confederate leaders and citizens. The text integrates disciplinary vocabulary, a primary source quote, and a problem/solution structure to foster critical thinking and historical reasoning. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a graphic organizer to deepen understanding. The passage and activities are aligned to C3 Framework and Common Core standards, and are designed to build both historical and ELA skills. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio support language learners and diverse classrooms. Key terms are glossed for vocabulary development. This U.S. history reading passage is suitable for inquiry-based learning about the Civil War's beginnings.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Bombardment of Fort Sumter by the batteries of the Confederate states, April 13, 1861" / Library of Congress.

In April 1861, the first shots of the American Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, a federal fort located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The conflict at Fort Sumter was not just a battle over a small island fort. It represented a deep national debate over sovereignty, the power of the federal government, and the future of slavery in the United States.

The immediate cause of the standoff at Fort Sumter was the recent election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States. Many Southern states viewed Lincoln's election as a threat to their right to allow slavery. As a result, South Carolina and six other states declared their secession from the Union. These states formed the Confederate States of America in early 1861. The U.S. government, however, did not accept secession as legal. This created a situation where two governments both claimed authority over the same land and people.

The crisis at Fort Sumter quickly became a symbol of this larger national conflict. The Union troops at the fort, led by Major Robert Anderson, were running low on supplies. President Lincoln faced a difficult decision. He could either abandon the fort, which would show weakness, or resupply it, which might provoke war. Lincoln chose to send a supply ship, stating in a letter to the governor of South Carolina, "The Government will not use force unless force is used against it." This quote shows Lincoln's careful attempt to avoid blame for starting a war, while still defending federal property.

From the Southern perspective, allowing the Union to resupply Fort Sumter would mean accepting federal control in their newly declared nation. Confederate leaders, including General P.G.T. Beauregard, decided to demand the fort's surrender. When Anderson refused, Confederate guns began bombarding Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. After 34 hours of shelling, Major Anderson surrendered. No soldiers were killed during the battle, but the event had enormous consequences.

The attack on Fort Sumter unified the North against the Confederacy. Lincoln immediately called for 75,000 volunteers to put down the rebellion. Four more states, including Virginia, then joined the Confederacy, making the conflict even larger. The bombardment also revealed the complex motivations of ordinary people. Some in the South celebrated what they saw as a victory for their rights and way of life. Others, including many in the North, saw the attack as an assault on the Union and democracy itself.

Though both sides believed they were defending their own principles, the result was a long and bloody conflict that would last four years and cost hundreds of thousands of lives. The events at Fort Sumter showed that peaceful solutions had failed, and that the debate over slavery, states' rights, and federal power would be settled by war.

Analyzing the Fort Sumter crisis reveals the complexity of American history. The decisions made by leaders on both sides were shaped by fear, pride, and their own views of legitimacy. The consequences went far beyond one fort, changing the nation forever.

Interesting Fact: The U.S. flag that Major Anderson lowered in surrender at Fort Sumter was later flown again when the Union retook the fort in 1865, symbolizing the restoration of the United States.

Where is Fort Sumter located?

Charleston Harbor, South CarolinaRichmond, VirginiaWashington, D.C.Atlanta, Georgia

Who was President during Fort Sumter?

Abraham LincolnAndrew JacksonUlysses S. GrantJefferson Davis

When did the bombardment of Fort Sumter begin?

April 12, 1861July 4, 1776November 1860May 1, 1865

Why did Lincoln send a supply ship?

To aid Union troopsTo attack the ConfederacyTo evacuate soldiersTo declare victory

What did the attack on Fort Sumter cause?

War between North and SouthPeaceful compromiseThe end of slaveryMore states joined the Union

What was Lincoln's goal in his letter?

Avoid blame for starting warEncourage secessionSurrender the fortSupport Confederate leaders