What event marked the first attack of the Civil War in April 1861?

The first attack of the Civil War occurred at Fort Sumter in April 1861, marking a significant turning point in American history. As tensions escalated between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy), the Confederate forces sought to assert their control over Southern territory. The immediate conflict began when Confederate troops fired upon Fort Sumter, a Union-held fort located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.

This event is historically significant because it was the catalyst that led to the outbreak of full-scale war between the North and South. Prior to this, there were numerous tensions and conflicts—such as debates over slavery and states’ rights—but Fort Sumter is where those tensions erupted into open conflict. The Union's response to the attack mobilized troops and set the stage for the Civil War, which would last for four years and lead to profound changes in the nation, including the eventual abolition of slavery.

The other battles listed in the choices occurred later in the war, with the Battle of Gettysburg being a turning point that took place in 1863, the Battle of Antietam occurring in September 1862, and the First Battle of Bull Run happening in July 1861. They are all critical events in the Civil