What event is considered the start of the Civil War, and why?

The attack on Fort Sumter by South Carolinian militia is considered the start of the Civil War. This event prompted President Lincoln to send Union troops to retake the South.

Describe the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation in the context of the Civil War.

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued after the Union victory at Antietam, declared all slaves in Confederate territory free, reinforcing the moral cause of the war for the Union.

Causes of the Civil War

6th Grade•36 minutes

Learning Objective

I can identify the main causes of the Civil War.

Key Concepts

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the presidential election, which led South Carolina to secede from the Union.

The Civil War officially began when South Carolinan militiamen attacked Fort Sumter in 1861.

After the battle of Antietam, President Lincoln emancipated all slaves inside the Confederate territory, reinforcing the moral cause of the war and leading to the Thirteenth Amendment which abolished slavery.

Practice Questions

This lesson includes 6 practice questions to reinforce learning.

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1. What political event directly led to South Carolina seceding from the Union?

2. Explain how the issue of slavery affected the balance of power in the United States leading up to the Civil War.

3. How did the failure of the Whig party contribute to the outbreak of the Civil War?

...and 3 more questions

Educational Video

American Civil War | 3 Minute History

Jabzy

Learning Objective

Key Concepts

Practice Questions

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