When South Carolina seceded from the Union, it left the federal troops in the area—including those at Fort Sumter—in a vulnerable position. What should they have done to protect federal property and troops against South Carolina forces?...

The Battle of Fort Sumter was both the first and the least deadly battle of the American Civil War, with no soldiers lost during the lengthy bombardment. Learn more about the first shots of the Civil War with a short reading passage and...

Discover why Fort Sumter was an important strategic defense for the Confederate Army. An informative resource highlights the Confederates' efforts to rebuild Fort Sumter after the initial attack by the Northern Army. Scholars also learn...

While Fort Sumter is largely known as where the Civil War began, its history goes back to the War of 1812. During the War of 1812, it was evident that the American coastline needed more protection. A video resource explores the reason...

The capture of Morris Island was one of many Northern attempts to capture Fort Sumter. Budding historians learn about the Northern Army's efforts to invade Charleston by taking Morris Island, which was part of Fort Sumter. An informative...

What was it like to be on the receiving end of Confederate shells in Fort Sumter? Learners get a sense of what the bombardment that began the Civil War on April 12, 1861 was like in this video resource. Resource includes footage of...

The Northern Army finally takes Fort Sumter during the Siege of Charleston! The resource explains the Siege of Charleston and the ultimate victory of the North. Academics learn about the Northern assault on the Fort that left it in ruins...

Fort Sumter is a lasting emblem of the duration of the Civil War, and the American flag on its pole is a symbol of the Union's hard-fought victory. A short, informative video takes learners through the military strategies of the battle,...

Fort Sumter, the site of the Civil War's first battle, taught the Union and the Confederacy an important lesson: they would both need to take stronger steps than anticipated if they wanted to win the war. History pupils read about the...

The headlines screamed what everyone knew was coming: War! While Fort Sumter was considered the first battle of the Civil War, the engagement played differently in newspapers at the time. Using coverage from Northern and Southern...

The crisis at Fort Sumter and events related to criminology create an intriguing activity for high schoolers. When clicked on, each box goes into a different part of the event. It also includes the aftermath of the battle in American...

Take your traditional timeline project on the Civil War to the next level! From the attack on Fort Sumter in 1861 to the assassination of President Lincoln in 1865, your class members will research a particular event and then teach their...

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.

Take a look at where it all began: Fort Sumter. Individuals learn about the history of Fort Sumter, the location of the first battle of the Civil War. Fort Sumter was also important to the defense of the Confederate city of Charleston....

The Battle of Secessionville was a Confederate victory that helped save Charleston. Academics learn about the Civil War battle of Secessionville that resulted in a win for the Confederacy and protected the town of Charleston from the...

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.

Young scholars assess the difficult position and decision Lincoln had to make. They determine that there were many conflicting opinions at that time. They pretend they are at a dinner table together discussing the current events. They...

History enthusiasts participate in an interactive website that brings Abraham Lincoln to life as he shares his personal experiences between 1854-1864. Scholars listen and read carefully to form their own opinions and discover if they...

Detailing the political and social events leading up to the Civil War, this presentation provides students with maps, political cartoons, and photographs to put this time period into historical context. The Presidential Elections of...

Could you win a million dollars by being good at your US history? Maybe not, but kids can pretend they will, as they play Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Civil War Edition. There are 15 fantastic questions about slavery, Lincoln, the...

The American Civil War tore the country in two. What made tension grow between the North and the South? How did the war finally begin? What artillery was used? Answer some of these basic questions using this resource. Consider choosing a...

"A house divided against itself cannot stand," Abraham Lincoln famously said. This video series is aged and the sound cracks occasionally, but it does provide accurate information and visual imagery. This is part one of three.

Intended for use with atlases, this presentation details the causes and effects of the Civil War. It includes historical pictures of battles and discussion points about the technology which emerged during (and for) the war. The final...

How much have your history students learned about the Civil War? Use a straightforward review worksheet to go over the key figures and events from the 19th century, including Abraham Lincoln, Fort Sumter, and the Emancipation Proclamation.