Students learn about three issues leading up to the Civil War—slavery, states’ rights, and sectionalism. They read about slavery and how slaves were treated in Texas, they watch a video about the time period prior to the Civil War, and they draw a cartoon illustrating sectionalism.
Students read an introduction to the Civil War, including basic facts about the Union and Confederacy and the idea that multiple issues led to the conflict. They examine a map of the United States in 1861 showing slave and free states, then contribute to a shared table by listing one issue they think caused the Civil War, trying to add new ideas that are not yet listed.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives, highlighting that students will investigate slavery, states’ rights, and sectionalism in small groups. Prompt students to draw on prior knowledge as they respond in the table, then lead a brief discussion of their listed causes, using sample ideas (such as slavery, Lincoln’s election, and states’ rights) to surface key themes that will be explored in later scenes. Organize students into small groups for the next three scenes.
Students read background text about how slavery functioned in the North and South and how Southern agriculture depended on enslaved labor. In small groups, they read Slavery and watch The Life of an Enslaved Person to deepen their understanding of why Southerners wanted to keep slavery and how the system was maintained. Each group selects a note taker to post a response on a shared wall explaining reasons Southerners wanted to keep slaves and ways owners prevented enslaved people from escaping.
Teacher MovesMonitor group reading and viewing, clarifying vocabulary and checking for understanding about economic dependence on slavery and the realities of enslaved life. Review group wall responses, ensuring students identify both economic and social reasons for maintaining slavery and recognize the role of violence, coercion, and family separation in preventing escape. Use the sample ideas provided to address misconceptions and deepen discussion before moving on.
Students read an explanation of growing tensions between North and South, focusing on differing beliefs about federal versus state power and the concept of nullification. In small groups, they read States’ Rights and then answer two prompts: first, they describe what the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 required, and second, they explain how this law helped Southern states. Groups record their answers on separate shared walls.
Teacher MovesGuide students through the concepts of states’ rights and nullification, emphasizing how these ideas related to slavery. Support groups as they interpret the Fugitive Slave Law, then use the teacher note to clarify that the law required free states to return escaped enslaved people, helping the South preserve slavery. Highlight how this law illustrates the conflict between federal authority, state preferences, and moral opposition to slavery.
Students read an extended explanation of sectionalism and how regional loyalties in Texas and the South focused on local interests rather than national unity. They examine three sectional differences between North and South—tariffs, economy, and population—learning how each contributed to conflict. In small groups, they create a political cartoon that illustrates sectionalism, including a drawing and caption (and an optional title), either directly on the digital canvas or by uploading a photo of a paper drawing.
Teacher MovesDiscuss the definition of sectionalism and help students connect tariffs, economic systems, and population differences to growing regional tensions. Support groups as they plan and draw their political cartoons, prompting them to use symbolism and captions that clearly show how one region saw itself as superior or prioritized its own interests. If time allows, have groups present their cartoons to the class and facilitate discussion comparing how each cartoon represents sectionalism.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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