"You Can Have No Conflict Without Being Yourselves the
Aggressors": The Fort Sumter Crisis (March - April 1861):
Lincoln struggles with William Seward's thirst for power while
the Fort Sumter question comes to the forefront of the nation's
politics. To supply Fort Sumter would incite hostilities with
the South and to desert Sumter would imply acknowledgment of the
Confederacy. It is a decision that cannot be made lightly. As
time goes by without a verdict, the North starts to question the
strength of their government. Seizing the opportunity, Seward
secretly begins negotiations with the South based on unfounded
promises. Out of time, Lincoln makes a fateful decision. "I
Intend to Give Blows": The Hundred Days (April - July 1861): War
has begun. Lincoln hesitates calling a session of Congress
amidst fears of interference with the war effort. Needing to
defend the capital, he calls for the Union militia. The brash
proclamation offends many in the Upper South and Borderline
States. A few refuse to allow troops t