Introduction
Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States, was assassinated on April 14, 1865—just days after the Civil War ended. His death shocked the nation and shaped the Reconstruction era. In this WebQuest, you will become historical investigators, piecing together the people, motives, events, and consequences of this national tragedy.
Task
Use the readings and video links to learn more about the conspiracy, the assassination of Lincoln, and the investigation following it in order to be able to respond to the questions in your coursebook.
Process
Start with reading this biography of the assassin John Wilkes Booth: Biography and Images of John Wilkes Booth, Assassin of Abraham Lincoln
Then, proceed to this website to learn more about the assassination at Ford's Theatre: https://youtu.be/sgLd4I-qx5Y?si=S4n0vHB1AWsx-pF7
Follow the day-by-day escape route of John Wilkes Booth here: The Assassin's Escape - Ford's Theatre National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)
Read about the conspirators and their fates here: The Lincoln Conspirators - Ford's Theatre National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)
Evaluation
Answer the questions about the Lincoln assassination and aftermath in your coursebook.