The American Civil War didn’t begin overnight. Tensions had been simmering for years, and as the crisis deepened, every decision carried immense consequences.

In this episode, we uncover the key events that led to the standoff at Fort Sumter and the fateful exchange of fire that marked the war’s beginning.

How did it all unfold? And could war have been avoided?

This is the story of Fort Sumter and the moment the Civil War began.