A Civil War Curriculum that brings history to life…

The Civil War is a vital time in our American culture in which the tides of civil liberties turned. Fresh off the Revolutionary War, the country wanted independence. Although there were concerns about President Lincoln leading the country, there was also a deep conflict between the North and South regarding slavery and industry booming.

Since I wanted to teach our son the Civil War but make it unique to his age, I decided to use materials that would provide some reading challenges and begin the process of teaching him high school critical thinking.

Unit 2 Curriculum: How it Continued (1862-1863)

A pivotal time in American history continues with battles that cause leadership changes, and the beginnings of the Emancipation Proclamation. How the leaders changed the course of the Civil War in small and significant ways across Virginia and Tennessee in particular.

The Lesson Breakdown

• Key Terms
  • Union
  • Johnston
  • Shiloh
  • Confederates
  • Grant
  • Battle of Yorktown
  • Virginia
  • Robert E. Lee
  • Tilghman
• Big Leaders
  • Grant
  • Tilghman
  • Robert E. Lee
  • Johnston
• Major Battles
  • Fall of Forth Henry, TN*
  • Fall of Fort Donelson, TN*
  • Battle of Yorktown, VA*
  • Shiloh, TN*
  • Seven Pines, VA*
• Maps (East Coast map)
  • Mark Tennessee battles
  • Mark Virginia battles
• Cause-Effect Charts/Activities
  • Essay Questions
  • Battles Chart
  • Confederate & Union Members Chart
  • Crossword
  • Documentaries (MagellanTV)

Reading Material:

1. Abraham Lincoln by Thomas Bracken (Ch. 5- pp. 57-73)
2. The Boys War by Jim Murphy (p. 1-13)
3. Battlefield of Civil War by Bowen (p. 122-130)
4. Atlas of Civil War by Neil Kagan (p. 50-55; 80-82)
5. Siege of Yorktown Britannica Article
6. Siege of Yorktown AHC Article
7. Seven Days Battle Britannica Article
8. Fall of Fort Henry Article

Full Unit 2 Week 1 & 2 Below: FREE FULL LESSON

Week 1: Reading

1. Read Materials above: Mix of online articles that are free and books available online or at library.
2. Take Notes on Notes Outline (included in full lesson here)

Week 2: Activities

1. Answer Essay Questions (included in full lesson)
2. Complete crossword with keywords (included in full lesson)
3. Mark East Coast map with battles (included in full lesson)
4. Confederate & Union Chart (included in full lesson)
5. MagellanTV Documentaries (HERE) or if you don’t have subscription try Free PBS videos (HERE)

Final Thoughts

This units goal is to show the complexity of a war and the may leaders who were involved. Small events made major changes. Some events are unforgettable. Weather and poor conditions made every battle a challenge. This unit not only provides battle information but also insight into Abraham Lincoln as a president and a person fighting for civil rights as well as children and families involved in the wars.