Curated OER
The Civil War Begins
Begin your unit on the Civil War with this informative PowerPoint that includes key elements leading to the war. This slideshow takes us from Abraham Lincoln to Fort Sumter. Each slide contains a corresponding graphic and clear fact.
Curated OER
Lincoln Goes to War
Students examine the secession crisis of 1861 and the significance of the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. They read and analyze Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, conduct research, and write an executive memorandum.
Curated OER
The Civil War
High schoolers, examine The Civil War, from a variety of perspectives and assignments. After taking notes, they can choose from creating a front page newspaper article describing the fall of Fort Sumter, discuss the pros and cons of...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan on the Civil War
Fifth graders identify events leading to the Civil War and explain the impact the events had on northern and southern societies.
American Battlefield Trust
American Battlefield Trust: Civil War: Fort Sumter April 12 14, 1861
Extensive information about the Battle of Fort Sumter. Includes maps, battle facts, biographies of the commanders, articles, historical resources, historic images, and even a 3-D photo presentation (which requires special 3-D glasses).
US National Archives
Our Documents: Telegram Announcing the Surrender of Fort Sumter (1861)
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.
Other
Civil War in South Carolina: Fort Sumter, April 12 14, 1861
This is a description of the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. Included are a map and General Beauregard's report on the attack.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: The War Begins
Provides a detailed description of the attack on Fort Sumter during the Civil War from Confederate Military History, Vol. 5, Chapter I, a series published in 1899.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Fort Sumter
A fascinating look at the "chess game" that involved Fort Sumter, a United States military installation in Charleston Harbor off the coast of South Carolina. Read about the moves by various leaders to keep or take the fort without...
Other
Crisis at Fort Sumter
Detailed background information is provided to assist users in solving the dilemmas facing President Lincoln in the events surrounding the fall of Fort Sumter.
Other
Tulane University: Crisis at Fort Sumter: Robert Anderson
Brief biography of Robert Anderson, commander of Fort Sumter when it was captured in April, 1861.
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Origins and Outbreak of the Civil War
After reading this section, students will be able to explain the major events that occurred during the Secession Crisis and describe the creation and founding principles of the Confederate States of America.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Civil Conflict: First State to Secede
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.
Social Studies Help Center
Social Studies Help Center: What Caused the Beginning of the Civil War
Discusses what caused the Civil War, including a section on the political parties of the mid 1800's.