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 4 Curriculum: Battle to the Bitter End (1864-1865)

These final battles showed how the Union fought strongly and defeated the Confederates more and more in the last battles.

The Lesson Breakdown

• Key Terms
  • Copperhead – a term for a Northerner who opposed the war effort
  • Casualty – a soldier who is wounded, killed or missing in action
  • Bayonet – a metal blade like a long knife or short sword that could be attached to a rifle
  • Abolitionist – someone who wishes to abolish or get rid of slavery
  • Defilade – to arrange walls and embankments as fortification so the enemy can’t shoot in
  • Haversack – a tar covered canvas bag for soldier’s food
  • Ironclad – a ship protected by iron armor
  • Picket – soldiers posted on guard ahead of the main group or force
• Big Leaders
  • Admiral David Porter
  • Robert E. Lee
  • Ulysses Grant
  • George Pickett
  • General George Custer
  • William Tecumseh Sherman
  • James McPherson
• Major Battles
  • Siege of Petersburg, Virginia (third battle) – March 1864
  • Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia – May 1864
  • Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia – June 1864
  • Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama – August 1864
  • Battle of Palmito Ranch, Texas – the final battle
• Maps (East Coast map)
  • Mark major battles on map
  • Order the final battles on the timeline

Reading Material:

1. Article on Siege of Petersburg
2. Article on Battle of Wilderness
3. Article on Battle of Cold Harbor
4. Article on Battle of Mobile Bay
5. Article on Battle of Atlanta
6. Book “Secrets of Civil War Submarine” (book above)
7. Battle of Fort Fisher – Wilmington, NC — Battle of Fort Fisher
8. Battle of Hatcher’s Run – Petersburg — The Battle of Hatcher’s Run | American Battlefield Trust
9. Battle of Five Forks – Petersburg and Richmond — Two Days in April: The Battle of Five Forks | American Battlefield Trust
10. Battle of Appomattox Court House – Northern Virginia— Battle of Appomattox Brought to Life in New App from the Civil War Trust | American Battlefield Trust
11. Battle of Bennett Place – Viriginia — Bennett Place Surrender | American Battlefield Trust
12. Battle of Palmito Ranch – Brownsville Texas – final battle of Civil War

Full Unit 4 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. Mark map with battles
2. Mark timeline with final battles
3. Essay questions
4. Submarine essay question

Final Thoughts : The Battle to the Bitter End

This unit’s goal was to learn about the final battles of the Civil War. The timeline includes the Emancipation Proclamation which occurred in 1863 and then the subsequent aftermath of the order. It caused turmoil and civil unrest as the slaves were freed and the Union and Confederate fought to the bitter end.

The final battle shows how the Confederates lost and how the many battles in between made for a significant turning point in history. Learn about naval battles and the secrets in the details of the civil war in this final unit including the complex victories of the final battles and how it impacted the outcome of the war overall. Next unit includes the final exam and then stay tuned – lots of unique and fun activities to follow regarding civil war spies, food, outfits, submarines, and rare trinkets.