What fateful choice did Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his advisers make on April 12 1861?

Answer 1

On April 12, 1861, the confederates demanded the surrender of Fort Sumner in SC and began firing when they refused, thereby beginning the Civil War. I do not know what part Jefferson Davis had in making the decision.

Answer 2

To fire cannons at US Fort Sumter in the Charleston harbor in April 1861 was a fateful decision. They were all much to eager to test the will of the US under President Lincoln. As they would be heavy underdogs in any sort of conflict, the best bet they had was to not use arms or violence to force the hand of Lincoln. Being mindful of US politics, Lincoln was not a guaranteed second term president. The wise decision was to wait out any violence. The 1864 elections might have been in their favor.

Answer 3

The decision to demand the surrender of Fort Sumter, and to use force to make Sumter's commander, Anderson surrender was a fateful and disastrous decision. Knowing how the US Political system worked, patience and non-conflict was the prudent decision not made. Lincoln was clear on his "hands off" policy on slavery in the South. Additionally, the South had the US Supreme Court on "their side". Patience would have the result of a compromise and no dead soldiers. Slavery would not have lasted anyway due to its immorality and economic waste of human labor. All the South had to do was see the future when England abolished their slavery.