Students learn about three of the key battles of the Civil War and the strategies used by the North and South during these battles. Then they explain how the battles helped to turn the war in the Union's favor. Finally, students rewrite a passage about the war in their own words.
Students read a brief introduction explaining that both the North and South initially expected a quick Civil War victory, but the First Battle of Bull Run revealed the war would be long and bloody. They examine a map titled “Locations of Key Civil War Battles” and respond to a wall prompt describing what they notice about where the battles occurred and explaining their observations.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the overall purpose of the experience and review the lesson objectives. Use student observations about the battle map to highlight that most key battles occurred in Confederate and border states, noting that Gettysburg was the only key battle on Union soil. Encourage students to keep the map in mind as they later study Antietam, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg.
Students are told they will study three key Civil War battles and, for each one, take notes on offensive strategy, a brief description, and the strategic outcome. They read Bloody Antietam to learn about the Battle of Antietam and complete a three-part graphic organizer. They then read Gettysburg: High Watermark of the Confederacy and fill out the same organizer for the Battle of Gettysburg. Finally, they read Northern Plans to End the War and Vicksburg to understand the Battle of Vicksburg and complete a third organizer describing strategy, events, and long-term impact.
Teacher MovesExplain that students will read about each key battle and record notes on offensive strategy, a brief description, and strategic outcomes. Optionally divide the class into three groups, assigning each group one battle to read about and prepare to present to classmates, while ensuring that every student ultimately completes the graphic organizer for all three battles.
Students revisit the map of key Civil War battles and use what they learned in the previous scene to complete a table. For Antietam, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg, they explain the significance of each battle’s location.
Teacher MovesUse student responses to identify understandings and misconceptions, and to guide follow-up discussion.
Students read a passage describing the South’s defensive advantages, the Union’s more difficult offensive objectives, and the differing motivations and morale of each side. They post an explanation of the passage in their own words to a class wall, then answer a poll selecting statements that help explain why most key Civil War battles occurred in the South.
Teacher MovesSelect and share an interesting or exemplary student paraphrase for class discussion, emphasizing that the South mainly defended its own territory while the North fought an offensive war to defeat the Confederacy. After the poll, confirm that all listed statements are valid explanations and discuss the idea of divided loyalties, including how Confederate soldiers and civilians might have felt fighting against the United States.
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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