Question

lincoln let confederate leaders know about his plan to resupply fort sumter so that

they would not fire on the ships.
they would not attack other nearby forts.
they could defeat union forces.
they would not attack during a union surrender.

Explanation:

Analyze Lincoln's dilemma

Using the Siege of Fort Sumter and Strategic Value of Fort Sumter knowledge points

In April 1861, Fort Sumter in South Carolina was running out of supplies. President Abraham Lincoln faced a major dilemma: sending military reinforcements might be seen as an act of aggression, while evacuating the fort would look like submission to the Confederacy.

Evaluate the notification strategy

Using the Siege of Fort Sumter knowledge point

To avoid being seen as the aggressor, Lincoln decided to send unarmed supply ships with food and basic provisions only. He explicitly notified the Governor of South Carolina of his peaceful intention to resupply the fort.

Determine the intended outcome

Using the Siege of Fort Sumter knowledge point

By notifying Confederate leaders that the mission was purely peaceful and carried only food, Lincoln hoped they would not fire on the unarmed supply ships. If the Confederates did fire, they would be the ones starting the war.

Match with the correct option

Using the Siege of Fort Sumter knowledge point

The notification was sent specifically so that "they would not fire on the ships." This matches the first option.

Answer:

• (A) they would not fire on the ships. (Correct answer)
• (B) they would not attack other nearby forts.
• (C) they could defeat Union forces.
• (D) they would not attack during a Union surrender.