what was significant about the confederate capture of fort sumter in 1861?

Answer 1

It was an act of war against the Union, and it was the shot that set off the Civil War in this country finally and thankfully won by the North (Union).

Chow!!

Answer 2

This is a very interesting question.

Events such as the capture of Fort Sumter cannot be viewed along a single dimension. It is not a single, independent event that standalone but is part of a stream of events that led to years of civil war whose effects we still feel today.

Here's are a couple of significant aspects of the conflict:

1. Lincoln made it well know that he would not fire the first shot. By letting the treasonous, disloyal Confederates fire the first shot Lincoln gained full and complete moral legitimacy for defending the Constitution and "making war" against the rebels.

2. The event rallied the southern views and embolden hesitant southern states to join the rebellion.

3. The courage and fortitude of the American soldiers defending the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the POEM that later became the words to our national anthem.

4. The attack on the fort gave unquestionable evidence that the Union needed a strong Navy to protect its interests. The Congress soon passed funding bills for expanding the Navy after this attack. The ability of the Navy to blockade the coasts and control inland water ways (rivers) was a critical factor in winning the war.

Answer 3

The most significant fact about the capture of Ft. Sumpter was the seige that preceded it. Lincoln had made it known that he intended merely to resupply the garrison, and was careful to make it known not only to the secessionists but to the European powers that he was not going to do anything aggressive. South Carolina bombarded the fort, thus being the aggressor. Lincoln could then declare war and call for volunteers. By allowing the South to fire the first shots, he very probably kept within the Union ranks the states of Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri. And the actions of the South made Britain and France pause instead of declaring their support for the Confederacy. If Lincoln had chosen to be the aggressor, it is likely that all three border states would have joined the Confederacy and Britian and France would have eventually recognized the rebel government, which very well may have changed the outcome of the Civil War.

Answer 4

The Union loss at Ft. Sumter marks the official beginning of the Civil War.

Answer 5

Seriously, if someone were in your driveway with a gun pointed at your front door, wouldn't you do something to get them out of there? When somebody points a gun at you first, if you shoot them, you're not the aggressor.

Ft. Sumter's guns were aimed at the City of Charleston; at civilians. The Confederate governement notified Lincoln that any attempt to resupply the fort would be considered an act of war.

Answer 6

Nothing really, it got the war going, but after that it was not used for anything. Did you know the fort did not fire back and that no one was killed in the action of capturing the fort?

Answer 7

Nothing, it was a symbolic act. That fort guarded the harbor, but was never used in action after it fell.

Answer 8

It is generally acknowledged to be the first firing of shots in the American War Between the States.

Answer 9

Most say that it started the war - the only casualty was a horse

Answer 10

Jimbo is correct, it was the begining of the Civl war.