The American Civil War

Introduction

Introduction

In 1858, Abraham Lincoln said "a house divided against itself cannot stand." These words were both wise and prophetic.

As far back as 1830 sectional divisions had been deepening over the issue of slavery. To Southerners slavery was an essential part of their region's economy. In some southern states slavery was practiced for well over 200 years. But as northern abolitionists grew more powerful, Southerners began to feel that their way of life was being threatened.

The nation's leaders were unable to resolve the divisive issue of slavery in the 1840s and 1850s.  The growth of the abolition movement in the North and the presidential election of 1860 were proof to many Southerners that the time had come to secede from the Union. By the time Abraham Lincoln reached Washington D.C., the "house" that was the United States was indeed divided.

Task

The Civil War was the bloodiest conflict in United States history with over 618,000 soldiers killed. But was war the only answer to the divisions between the North and South?

You will read the views of northern and southern leaders, including arguments for and against slavery. You will also read about the events which led to the Civil War. As you read these primary sources, you should consider the following:

Factual:

What ideas and events contributed to the conflict between the North and the South?

Conceptual:

How does conflict shape our reality?

Debatable:

Would slavery have ended without the American Civil War?

In the concluding activity you will be asked to write a narraitive arguing whether or not the American Civil War was necissary to end slavery. 

 

Process

To accomplish the task you will need to read nine primary sources which give the views of national leaders and outline the events which led to the Civil War. Each reading is followed by review questions. These readings are linked below. I also included a couple of additional links which may be helpful.

Using this information and your own knowledge of social studies you will write a four to five paragraph essay that explains how the ideas and events outlined in the readings contributed to the conflict between the North and South.

Your essay should:

  • Have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Explain the ideas and events which led to the Civil War.
  • Discuss the three most important ideas and/or events.
  • Use solid historical evidence, details, and quotes from the readings to support your point of view.
  • Include outside historical information.

Readings:

Additional Links: