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Lesson 75 of 84 · The Civil War

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Fort Sumter: The First Shots

🌍Mission Brief #75

Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, was the site of the first shots fired in the American Civil War on April 12, 1861.

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Figure out how this changed the world.

⚡ The twist

History is written by the winners — keep asking what's missing.

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Mind = Blown

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Then & Now

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Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, was the site of the first shots fired in the American Civil War on April 12, 1861. The conflict began when Confederate forces attacked the fort, which was held by Union soldiers. This confrontation marked a turning point in American history, as it ignited a war between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy) over issues including states' rights and slavery.

Key Facts

1

Fort Sumter is located in Charleston, South Carolina.

2

The first shots of the Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861.

3

The attack on Fort Sumter led to the start of the Civil War.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 2

What event marked the beginning of the Civil War?

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Why this still matters

Every road sign, every flag, every holiday — there's history hiding inside.

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Stretch Challenge

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Ask a grown-up what the world looked like when they were your age.

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For the dinner table

What's something from history you wish you could see in person?

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Fort Sumter: The First Shots

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Fort Sumter: The First Shots — The Civil War | 5th Grade Social Studies | LittleActivity