Fort Sumter and Early Stages of the Civil War

Sumter is located on an island in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
This fort was under Union control while Confederates were unable to capture it due to its strategic position.
In April 1861, President Lincoln announced plans to resupply Fort Sumter as it was running low on supplies.

On April 12, 1861, Confederates opened fire on Fort Sumter, beginning the Civil War. No casualties were reported during this initial bombardment.
The fort ultimately surrendered on April 14, 1861, after running out of ammunition.
- A fact: The first cannonball to hit Fort Sumter is displayed in Thomaston, Georgia.
Following the assault, Lincoln initiated a blockade of Southern ports and called for 75,000 troops from loyal states.

In response to Lincoln's actions, four Upper South states seceded: Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Virginia became a pivotal state due to its industrial resources and geographical location.
The Confederate States' first seal included an image of George Washington, emphasizing their claim of patriotism.
- The Latin phrase "Deo Vendese" translates to "God vindicates us," signifying a perceived divine support for their cause.

Tensions were high in border states (Missouri, Kentucky, and Maryland) over loyalty to the Union or Confederacy:
- In Maryland, Lincoln detained pro-Confederate legislators, suspending habeas corpus to maintain Union loyalty.
- In Kentucky, despite a significant number of Confederate supporters, Union allegiance prevailed among soldiers (3/4 served in the Union Army).
- Missouri experienced internal conflict as the governor was pro-Confederate and civil strife ensued between neighbors.

The Confederacy initiated the first military draft in U.S. history in April 1862 for white males aged 18-35, with some exemptions leading to resentment among poorer populations.
The Union started a draft in 1863 for men between 20 and 45 years of age, which was met with protests, culminating in the New York Draft Riots.

The battle between the ironclad ships the Merrimack and the Monitor in March 1862 marked a significant advancement in naval warfare, ending in a draw.
Other naval actions included the Union capturing ports such as New Orleans under Admiral David Farragut in 1862.
The Confederate submarine, the Hunley, became the first to sink an enemy ship but sank itself shortly after.

Proposed by General Winfield Scott, the Anaconda Plan aimed for a long-term naval blockade of the South along with securing the Mississippi River to split the Confederacy.

The Union typically named battles after nearby natural features (rivers) while the Confederates used nearby towns (e.g. First Bull Run vs. First Manassas).
The Union armies were often named after rivers (Army of the Potomac) whereas the Confederates had the Army of Northern Virginia.

The first major battle occurred on July 21, 1861, with Union forces under Irvin McDowell and Confederate forces commanded by P.G.T. Beauregard.
The battle resulted in a Confederate victory largely due to the rallying of troops by General Thomas „Stonewall“ Jackson.
It showcased the war would be prolonged, confounding initial expectations of a quick conflict.
- Total casualties reached about 4,500, demonstrating the brutal nature of Civil War battles.

The war set the stage for a long, drawn-out conflict with pivotal advantages and disadvantages developing for both sides.