In which we wrap up our discussion of the dark days in April 1861 when Washington, DC was cut off from the North and in danger from Confederate invasion. 

In which we relate the events in the dark days of April 1861, when Washington DC was cut off from the loyal states of the North.

In which we talk about Abraham Lincoln's April 15th call for 75,000 militia to suppress the rebellion, and the subsequent secession of Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, & North Carolina.

In which we discuss the bombardment of Sumter by the Confederate artillery batteries, and then the fort's evacuation by Major Robert Anderson & his men on April 14, 1861. Before the conclusion of the episode, we also tackle the questions: "What caused secession?" and "What caused the war?"

In which we discuss Lincoln's relief expedition to Fort Sumter, the Confederate government's decision to reduce the fort, and the opening shot of the bombardment on April 12, 1861. 

In which we continue our discussion of the escalating crisis over the possession of Fort Sumter.

In which we look at Abraham Lincoln's inaugural journey from Illinois to Washington, D.C. and then his inauguration as the sixteenth President of the United States on March 4, 1861. 

In which we continue our discussion of the events surrounding the growing crisis over the possession of Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor.

In which we discuss the dramatic events surrounding the growing crisis over the possession of Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor.

In which we look at how Abraham Lincoln used the time between his election victory and his inauguration as president to build his celebrated "team of rivals."