Unit Introduction:

The Civil War

Unit Highlights

In this unit, students will analyze primary and secondary sources to explain the multiple causes, key events, and complex consequences of the Civil War. Students will be able to:

  • Explain the conflict over state and federal authority.

  • Compare and contrast the North and South

  • Explain the issues of the doctrine of nullification and secession

  • Summarize and describe the presidency of Abraham Lincoln

  • Connect the writing of Lincoln to the Declaration of Independence.

  • Classify the views of the leaders and soldiers of the Civil War.

  • Explain the turning points in the war.

  • Explain the end of the Civil War

  • Explain the effects of the Civil War.

Unit Vocabulary

  • Abraham Lincoln

  • The Civil War

  • Doctrine of Nullification

  • Ulysses S. Grant

  • Jefferson Davis

  • Robert E. Lee

  • Gettysburg Address (1863)

  • Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

  • Daniel Webster

  • John C. Calhoun

  • Confederate States of America

  • Battle of Gettysburg

  • Sherman's March to the Sea

  • Thirteenth Amendment

  • Battle of Bull Run

Activity 1: The Civil War Pre-Test

Using your prior knowledge, brainstorm, list, and/or draw what you know about the Civil War in a thinking map. Complete this assignment on the Thinking Maps Learning Community or on paper. You may include:

  • Information you know or kind of know about the Civil War.

  • Guesses about the Civil War.

  • Questions you have about the Civil War.

  • Information you would like to know about the Civil War.

  • What comes to mind when you think of the Civil War.