Multiple choice After the Confederates opened fire on Fort Sumter, how did Lincoln react? He did not want to start a war so he did nothing. He called for 75,000 troops to fight for the Union. He wrote a strongly-worded letter to Governor Pickens. He wrote about the loss of life at Fort Sumter. Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself B Correct answer Explanation After the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter in April 1861, Lincoln responded by calling for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion.