What events and/or decisions caused conflict within United States that to led to war? Objective a. The students will be able to explain a series of events that led to the Civil War. b. The students will be able to describe the structure of the Union and Confederate armies and apply this information within hands-on activities. Background Tensions grew for many years before the first shots rang out at Fort Sumter, signaling the beginning of the Civil War. There was a clear division between the north and the south's perspectives of this young country. The Missouri Compromise, The Compromise of 18 Duration: 90 Minutes.