This article explores the opening months of the American Civil War, focusing on the pivotal battles and events that shaped the early course of the conflict. It begins with the attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861, which marked the official start of the war, and then traces the mobilization of Union and Confederate forces and their initial clashes on the battlefield. The article covers key early battles such as First Bull Run (Manassas), Shiloh, and the Peninsula Campaign, examining how these engagements shocked Americans with their scale and brutality and foreshadowed the prolonged, bloody struggle to come. Throughout, the article highlights the role of military leaders like Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, and explores how the war's early months tested the resolve of both sides and set the stage for the coming fight to preserve the Union and end slavery. By providing an in-depth look at this crucial period, the article offers valuable insights into the larger Civil War and its enduring impact on American history.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI