[SAMWolf]

I wonder what would have happened if the South hadn't fired, but would have left Anderson alone. Could Lincoln have rallied the North to raise an Army and invade the South if the South hadn't fired first?

Interesting question. I think Lincoln would have had a real hard time getting the majority of the North to fight if Sumter (or something else wasn't attacked first). It made a good rallying point for Lincoln.

[colorado tanker]

I agree, Sam. Sumter galvanized the North into action. Before, people seemed to be holding their breath, hoping there wouldn't be a war. On the other hand, Something else probably would have happened, like some hothead trying by force to install a confederate government in a border state or raiding an armory in a border state.