How did the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act contribute to the growing tensions that led to the Civil war? To better understand the events that led to the Civil War, young historians engage in a series of activities, including a debate, that cause them to examine these compromises in depth.

Concepts

the kansas-nebraska act, the missouri compromise of 1850, causes of the civil war, the united states civil war, civil war, popular sovereignty, slavery, map skills

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Additional Tags

kansas nebraska act, missouri compromise, social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Ask class members to research the motives of the groups like the free soilers, and those that supported popular sovereignty, the transcontinental railroad, and western expansion

Classroom Considerations

• Requires computer access; schedule time in the computer lab if personal or classroom computers are not available
• Some scanned documents are difficult to read
• Presumes a protocol has been established for a safe, respectful discussion of controversial and sensitive issues

Pros

• One activity asks class groups to adopt either a pro-slavery or anti-slavery perspective and develop propaganda materials designed to raise money for their cause
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.6 RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.6