Unit Overview

The Civil War and Reconstruction unit takes students through a crucial part of American history. They will explore what led to the Civil War, learn the tension points like slavery and the major battles that shaped the conflict. The aftermath, during Reconstruction, becomes a focal point as students investigate the efforts to rebuild the nation. They will also examine policies, like the Emancipation Proclamation, and the challenges faced in creating a new societal order. Through debates, reading primary sources like letters and speeches, and some creative projects, they get to know the people, events, and changes that shaped this period. 

Essential Questions:

• What factors fueled the tensions between the Northern and Southern states, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the Civil War?

• In what ways did the institution of slavery contribute to the complex socio-political landscape of the 1850s and the subsequent conflict?

• How did the Emancipation Proclamation impact the course of the Civil War and alter the trajectory of American history?

• What were the primary goals of Reconstruction, and to what extent were these goals achieved in rebuilding the nation?

• How did the experiences of different groups, including African Americans and women, evolve during the Civil War and Reconstruction era?

• In what ways did the unresolved issues of Reconstruction continue to shape the United States in the post-Reconstruction period?

Enduring Understandings:

• Complex Causes of Conflict:

  • Students will understand that the tensions leading to the Civil War were multifaceted, rooted in economic, social, and political differences between the Northern and Southern states.

• Impact of Slavery:

  • Students will comprehend the profound influence of slavery on the 1850s society and politics, recognizing its role as a central catalyst for the Civil War.

• Emancipation's Transformative Effect:

  • Students will appreciate the transformative impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, recognizing its role in reshaping the Civil War's trajectory and contributing to the broader struggle for civil rights.

• Reconstruction Challenges and Achievements:

  • Students will recognize the goals of Reconstruction and evaluate the extent to which they were achieved, understanding the challenges faced in rebuilding the nation after the Civil War.

• Evolving Experiences of Different Groups:

  • Students will gain insights into how the experiences of African Americans and women evolved during the Civil War and Reconstruction, recognizing changes in their roles and rights.

• Legacy of Unresolved Issues:

  • Students will understand that the unresolved issues of Reconstruction continued to influence the United States, shaping its trajectory in the post-Reconstruction period and leaving a lasting impact on the nation's history.

Skills and Knowledge Objectives:

• Historical Analysis:

  • Students will develop the ability to analyze primary and secondary sources related to the Civil War and Reconstruction, extracting essential information, and discerning multiple perspectives.

• Critical Thinking:

  • Students will enhance critical thinking skills by evaluating the causes and consequences of historical events, considering the complex factors that led to the Civil War and assessing the efficacy of Reconstruction policies.

• Research and Inquiry:

  • Students will refine their research and inquiry skills by conducting investigations into significant figures, events, and policies of the Civil War and Reconstruction era, utilizing a variety of sources.

• Argumentation and Debate:

  • Students will build argumentative skills by engaging in debates on key issues, such as states' rights, slavery, and Reconstruction policies, and supporting their positions with evidence from historical sources.

• Synthesis of Information:

  • Students will develop the ability to synthesize information from various sources, constructing a comprehensive understanding of the Civil War and Reconstruction and communicating their insights coherently.