Note
The successful attack on Fort Sumter bolstered Confederate morale, while it had a mixed impact on Union troops.
The Battle of Fort Sumter significantly increased the morale of the Confederacy. The successful bombardment and subsequent surrender of the fort on April 13, 1861, served as a powerful affirmation of Confederate resolve and military capability, uniting Southern states in their fight for independence. This victory galvanized support for the Confederate cause and led to a surge in enlistments. Conversely, while the Union forces were demoralized by the loss, it also prompted a rallying cry for the North, ultimately strengthening their determination to preserve the Union. The battle marked a critical turning point that set the stage for the intensifying Civil War.