How did the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act contribute to the growing tensions that led to the Civil war? To better understand the events that led to the Civil War, young historians engage in a...

Students identify the needs of prisoners through the study of the Civil War. In this Civil War lesson, students are divided into two groups to represent the two armies. Students simulate a situation where students are captured prisoners...

Students determine whether the American Civil War could have been avoided. In this Civil War lesson, students examine primary and secondary sources to prepare to participate in a classroom debate that requires them to compromise to avoid...

Learners examine sectionalism. In this sectionalism lesson plan, students explore reasons sectionalism developed. Learners realize the conflicts that led to the Civil War and how sectionalism affected citizens on the border of...

Fifth graders create multi-media newscasts based on their knowledge of Civil War battles of the ironclad ships.

Fourth graders examine both perspectives of the Civil War as related to the differing economies. In this nation divided activity, 4th graders view primary sources, examine paper money and a political chart, and review recruitment...

Young historians research the debate over slavery; some learners take the pro-slavery side and others the anti-slavery side. They take the role of a character such as a plantation owner, a legislator, a free Black, a slave, or a northern...

Students evaluate the fairness of the Missouri Compromise. They read the Missouri Compromise and discuss how it reflected the North-South, anti-slavery and pro-slavery division in the country. They work in groups to debate the Missouri...

Eleventh graders examine how Rutherford Hayes should be elected President of United States in order for the Union to continue effective Reconstruction.