The Civil War Author:Ian Westwell In April, 1861, Confederate troops opened fire on Union troops in Fort Sumter. This was the start of a bitter war in which Americans fought Americans, and it was a war that would significantly change the course of U.S. history. — In a time line format, describes the causes leading up to the Civil War, events and battles during the war, and the af... more »termath of the war. Includes primary source quotes.« less