Examine a time of political division and upheaval— not unlike our own—using firsthand accounts. While study of the Civil War often takes center stage in the classroom, the 1850s and 1860s were a period of profound change in other areas of the United States. After evaluating a series of primary sources, including those related to the building of a transcontinental railroad and the purchase of Alaska, learners try to lay out a chronology of events during this tumultuous time. A writing prompt allows for further reflection.

Concepts

railroads, native american history, national parks, civil war, the united states civil war, primary source analysis, primary source images, primary sources, alaska

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Offer the activity to give a broader understanding of events in the United States during the Civil War
• Use as an introductory activity for a related unit of study, such as the American West

Classroom Considerations

• Class members need Internet access to complete the activity

Pros

• Activity helps cover a vast amount of content efficiently
• Writing prompt and chronology activity build historical thinking skills

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.5.1 RI.5.3 RI.5.9 RI.5.10 RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.3 RH.6-8.10