The Civil War & Reconstruction
Students will engage in multiple discussions with prompting questioning, and analyses of primary source documents relating to the American Civil War & Reconstruction.
Description
Students will examine various aspects of the American Civil War using primary and secondary source analysis. Students will learn about influential people of the War and their impact on its outcome. We will look at improved technologies and the use of traditional battle tactics as both led to a catastrophic death toll. Key battles and the lives of soldiers will be studied. Students will also analyze significant legislation and speeches such as the Gettysburg Address, Emancipation Proclamation, and 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Finally, students will examine various aspects of the country in the aftermath of the war. Lessons on Reconstruction will provide insight into rebuilding the south, political issues, and life for African-Americans. |
Presentations
Supplemental Resources
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Essential Questions
- What social, political, and economic issues tended to divide Americans in the period prior to the Civil War?
- Why did the election of Abraham Lincoln seem to exacerbate sectional tensions in the prewar period?
- What impact did political and military leadership have on the conduct of the war?
- How did the war affect minorities during the period (women, free blacks, slaves, immigrants)?
- How did the Civil War “make” modern America?
Civil War Animated Maps
This series of animated maps provided by the Civil War Trust is fascinating. Each battle map is narrated and incorporates various photos to help tell the story of Civil War soldiers and battles. The modern graphics are great, and the stories told will interest more than the enthusiast. If you want to learn about Civil War battles, I strongly recommend this site.
This series of animated maps provided by the Civil War Trust is fascinating. Each battle map is narrated and incorporates various photos to help tell the story of Civil War soldiers and battles. The modern graphics are great, and the stories told will interest more than the enthusiast. If you want to learn about Civil War battles, I strongly recommend this site.
Eyewitness to History
This Eyewitness to History link takes students to twenty-five primary and secondary source readings covering various topics on the Civil War. Topics on this site include Lincoln and Lincoln's Assassination, John Wilkes Booth, significant battles, and the South's surrender.
This Eyewitness to History link takes students to twenty-five primary and secondary source readings covering various topics on the Civil War. Topics on this site include Lincoln and Lincoln's Assassination, John Wilkes Booth, significant battles, and the South's surrender.
Civil War in Color
What's more interesting than viewing Civil War images? Looking at some of the most captivating moments of the Civil War in color. TIME magazine (online) commissioned Sanna Dullaway to colorize some of the most iconic images of the Civil War. Check out the slide show.
What's more interesting than viewing Civil War images? Looking at some of the most captivating moments of the Civil War in color. TIME magazine (online) commissioned Sanna Dullaway to colorize some of the most iconic images of the Civil War. Check out the slide show.