Lecture Notes: Pre-Civil War Tensions and the Battle of Fort Sumter

Background: Pre-Civil War Division

• The nation was divided into North and South even before the Civil War.
  • Key Issues: Slavery affected economics, politics, and sectional power.
  • Economies
    • South: Agricultural economy reliant on slave labor.
    • North: Industrial economy based on manufacturing.
• 1860 Presidential Election:
  • Candidates:
    • Stephen Douglas (North)
    • John C. Breckinridge (South)
    • John Bell (Constitutional Union Party)
    • Abraham Lincoln (Republican)
  • Lincoln's anti-slavery stance was seen as a threat by the South.
  • Lincoln's election led to Southern outrage and secession.

Secession and Formation of the Confederacy

• December 20, 1860: South Carolina seceded from the Union.
• Confederate States of America: Formed by six other southern states following South Carolina.
• Early 1861: Most forts and naval yards in seceding states seized by Confederacy.

Charleston Harbor Fortifications

• Fortifications:
  • Castle Pinckney: Built in 1810, in need of repair.
  • Fort Moultrie: Completed in 1809 with 50 cannons.
  • Fort Sumter: 90% complete in 1860, most defensible.
• Major Robert Anderson took command of U.S. fortifications.
  • Moved his command to Fort Sumter for better defense.

Tensions Escalate in Charleston

• South Carolina Militia: Seized federal properties except Fort Sumter.
• Confederate Fortifications: Built on Sullivan's Island, Morris Island, and James Island.
• January 1861: A federal relief ship turned back after being fired upon.

The Battle of Fort Sumter

• April 12, 1861: Confederates demanded evacuation, Anderson refused.
• Start of Civil War: Confederates fired on Fort Sumter.
  • 34-hour bombardment ensued.
  • Fort caught fire, Anderson eventually surrendered on April 14, 1861.

Symbolism and Continued Conflict

• For the South: Fort Sumter was a symbol of Southern independence.
• For the North: Symbolized secession and disloyalty.
• Naval Blockade: Implemented by the U.S. Navy to block Charleston’s port.
• April 7, 1863: Federal gunboats attacked but were unsuccessful.
• Continued Bombardments: For 20 months until late 1863.

Conclusion of the War

• April 14, 1865: Fort Sumter evacuated, and Robert Anderson raised the U.S. flag once again as the war ended.