Slavery or states' rights: What really started the American Civil War? A lesson geared towards middle schoolers explores the causes of the Civil War. Scholars view an interactive of the Gathering Storm exhibit online and complete a hands-on activity using images. Academics also participate in group discussion to strengthen their understanding of the material. 

Concepts

causes of the civil war, the united states civil war, civil war, american history, north and south, slavery, abraham lincoln

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Assess learners' background knowledge by asking what they think caused the Civil War 
• Use the lesson plan to introduce a unit on the Civil War

Classroom Considerations

• Assessment activity is included with the resource

Pros

• The lesson plan is adaptable for multiple grade levels

Cons

• None