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American Centuries > Lessons > History Lessons By Teachers > A Nation Prepares for Civil War

A Nation Prepares for Civil War

Details

Author
Berneche John
Topic/Subject Area
Media, Periodicals, Communication; Politics, Government, Law, Civics; Military, Wars, Battles
Historical Era
Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861–1877
Grade Level
High School (9–12)
Creation Date
Last Revision Date
2024

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About This Lesson

Summary and Objective

Students will read several contemporary news accounts of the attempt by both the Union and Confederacy to mobilize the resources necessary to achieve their respective objectives. After reading these accounts, students will understand that the information in these documents reflects the strategic advantages and disadvantages with which each side had to contend.

Materials & Resources

From the Collection:

Teaching Plan

  1. Begin by reviewing the events leading up to the commencement of hostilities. Spend time discussing the firing upon Fort Sumter and the galvanizing effect it had on the Union.
  2. Students will read “Southern and War Items” (April 15, 1861). Students may want to use the “Look Closer” or “Show Text” features to read this and other documents required for this activity. Teacher will create and handout a worksheet with the following questions: 1) Are there any indications as to how many states each side can count on as the conflict progresses? 2) Which states does the article cite as being “secessionist?” 3) Has the Confederate government made any attempt at mobilizing troops? Explain. 4) Does the article indicate any uneasiness that the Federal government has over the loyalty of some of its troops? Explain. 5) Does the article mention any states that may be unsure as to which course of action they will take?
  3. Students will read “Sundry Items” (April 22, 1861). Then have them each create a table with three columns. Title the first column “Name of State” and record the states listed in the article; title the second column “Initial Troop Contribution,” and record the number of troops that the article reports the government can access “at short notice.” Title the third column “Total Troop Contributions 1861-1865”. To find this information, students will go to the website titled “The States and Their Contributions,” and record the numbers of troops who served from their respective states.
  4. Students will read “Jeff Davis’ Proclamation” (April 22, 1861) and answer the following with a two paragraph essay: What arrangement is being offered in this proclamation? Is this proclamation a sign of Southern strength or weakness?