it was a surprise attack because Lincoln told the Confederacy that he was sending food for his men but the south attacked them.
^- The south asked them to leave repeatedly. even said they would attack them if they wouldn't go, the people in Fort Sumter said they would leave if they didn't recive supplies. THEN lincoln sent them supplies. No it wasn't a surprise attack. they knew it was coming.
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He wasn't reluctant to defend Sumter, but the attack was a surprise and began the war so he needed troops.
The Battle of Fort Sumter ws April 12-13 1861
Yes, the Civil War started on the attack on Fort Sumter. The first major battle of the war was the Battle of Bull Run.
To assert their sovereignty over South Carolina.
General Beauregard ordered the first cannon to fire.