Animated map tells the story of the events that led up to the first shots of the Civil War fired at Fort Sumter. [7:31]

This is a description of the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. Included are a map and General Beauregard's report on the attack.

Looks at the Battle of Fort Sumter, which was the trigger that began the American Civil War. Aired 04/03/2011. [2:41]

Web page on President James Buchanan and the first state to secede leading to Civil War. Site includes textual information, video [3:28], and links to related information.

Summary and overview of the events leading to the Civil War Battle of Fort Sumter. Site includes fun facts for kids, video [3:00] on Abraham Lincoln, map and photos.

Offers an image of the original telegram from Major Anderson announcing his surrender of Fort Sumter. Discusses this event and the historical events surrounding it.

U.S. History is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of most introductory courses. The text provides a balanced approach to U.S. history, considering the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the United States from both the top down (politics, economics, diplomacy) and bottom up (eyewitness accounts, lived experience). U.S. History covers key forces that form the American experience, with particular attention to issues of race, class, and gender.Senior Contributing AuthorsP. Scott Corbett, Ventura CollegeVolker Janssen, California State University, FullertonJohn M. Lund, Keene State CollegeTodd Pfannestiel, Clarion UniversityPaul Vickery, Oral Roberts UniversitySylvie Waskiewicz

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Explain the major events that occurred during the Secession Crisis
Describe the creation and founding principles of the Confederate States of America