What event marked the beginning of the American Civil War?

The beginning of the American Civil War is marked by the bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. This significant event occurred when Confederate forces opened fire on the Union-held fort in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, after months of rising tensions between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and secession.

The attack on Fort Sumter is often viewed as the first act of armed conflict in the war, prompting President Abraham Lincoln to call for troops to suppress the rebellion. This response effectively united the North against the Southern states, which had seceded to form the Confederacy. Although the surrender of Fort Sumter later occurred, the commencement of hostilities is intrinsically linked to the bombardment itself, making it a pivotal moment in American history and the catalyst for the ensuing conflict.