Confederate forces fired the first shots at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861.

On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces fired the first shots at Fort Sumter, signaling the official beginning of the American Civil War. Rising tensions between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) had been fueled by disputes over slavery and states' rights. Fort Sumter, situated in Charleston, South Carolina, served as a crucial Union stronghold in the South. Following a lengthy standoff, the Confederacy launched an attack, forcing Union troops to capitulate. This pivotal moment energized both factions, setting the stage for a full-scale conflict that would significantly impact the course of American history.