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Which event is recognized as the start of the American Civil War?

  1. The Battle of Palmito Ranch

  2. The Battle of Fort Sumter

  3. The Missouri Compromise

  4. The Battle of Yorktown

The correct answer is: The Battle of Fort Sumter

The Battle of Fort Sumter is recognized as the start of the American Civil War because it was the first military engagement between the Union and Confederate forces. This battle took place on April 12, 1861, when Confederate troops fired on Fort Sumter, which was held by Union forces. The attack marked a clear point of no return in the escalating tensions between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as slavery and states’ rights. This event galvanized many states to formally join either side, leading to the widespread conflict that characterized the Civil War. It was not just a military confrontation; it symbolized the beginning of a significant and transformative period in American history, making it a pivotal moment that set the trajectory for the war that followed. Other choices listed, while historically important, do not represent the commencement of hostilities in the Civil War.