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Crisis at Fort Sumter

Crisis at Fort Sumter. Richard B. Latner Tulane University. Dilemmas of Compromise. Dec. 3, 1860 – March 3, 1861

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Crisis at Fort Sumter

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  1. Crisis at Fort Sumter Richard B. Latner Tulane University

  2. Dilemmas of Compromise Dec. 3, 1860 – March 3, 1861 Lincoln would not take office until March 4, 1861, and what he decided to do about the various compromise proposals during this period would be as fateful as any decision he made after he became President. • his own principles and ideals • the demands of his party and constituents • the situation in the upper South • the strength of the secessionist movement in the deep South • the likely consequences of any decision on the future course of events

  3. Initial Problems at Forts Pickens & SumterMarch 5-18, 1861 • On November 6, 1860, the seven Southern states establishment of the Confederate States of America at Montgomery, Alabama. • The Confederacy’s assumption of authority over federal property, such as customhouses and fortstook place. • The Confederacy's attempt to extend its sovereignty over forts that remained in Union hands, notably Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor and Fort Pickens at Pensacola, Florida.

  4. Initial Problems at Forts Pickens & SumterMarch 5-18, 1861 • Lincoln understood that no immediate crisis existed at the forts still in the government's hands. • He assumed that both Fort Pickens and Fort Sumter were secure and adequately supplied for the foreseeable future. • Lincoln's assumptions at the very outset of his presidency took a turn for the worst, when he learned that Sumter's troops could not hold out for any substantial period of time without assistance. • Lincoln would now have to decide what to do in these new circumstances.

  5. Lincoln Asks His CabinetFriday March 15, 1861 • On March 15, Lincoln sought his cabinet's advice on this problem. He asked them to write a response to the following question: • "Assuming it to be possible to now provision Fort Sumter, under all the circumstances is it wise to attempt it?"

  6. Hesitation & DecisionMarch 19-29, 1861 • After learning that Fort Sumter only had enough supplies till mid-April. • Despite pressure to act quickly, Lincoln took advantage of the time that remained to him. • During the ten days following the submission of his cabinet's written opinions, Lincoln gathered information and explored ways of holding the Union's forts. By March 29, he was ready to decide on a course of action.

  7. You are the Expert • Each student will study the men President Lincoln asked for advice on what to do about Fort Sumter. • Notes: Take notes on each man’s position. • Which side of the issue did they support? • What were the reasons where they stood on the issue? • Position Paper: Each student will write a one page position paper on whether Fort Sumter should be resupplied. Both sides opinions will be in your paper. Two paragraphs on each position of the issue.

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