Unit Focus Questions…
1. What were the long and short term causes of the Civil War (War Between the States)?
2. How did people from different parts of the country view the events related to the
conflict?
3. How did the war affect the nation—one person at a time?
4. What attempts were made to rebuild after the war and how successful were they?
Purpose: To understand why the Civil War occurred and how the conflict affected the nation, from the point of view of an individual from either the south or north.
Task: students will create a scrapbook reflecting the point of view of a fictional character from either the south or north during the Civil War. Each scrapbook should span the issues leading to the Civil War, as well the conflict and reconstruction: from about 1840 to 1876. Each scrapbook should contain documents detailing what life was like before, during and after the Civil War. Major elements will include maps, diary/journal entries, newspaper clippings, letters, and photographs. All writing must be in a student’s own words.
Research: Each student should use the textbook as a resource. Additional resources may be found in the classroom or on the internet. Be sure to check the validity of internet sources. Cite all sources used at the end of your project.
Each scrapbook MUST contain the following:
MAJOR ELEMENTS: All letters and journal entries are to be created by students and written in their own words. News stories may be real primary sources or created by students.
1. Each scrapbook must include a selection of maps, photos, and drawings. All pictures and maps must have captions written in the student’s own words.
2. A minimum of 3 news stories about events leading up to and during the War—no fewer than 3 paragraphs for each story. News stories should reflect major events related to the Civil War and should include facts, dates, quotes, etc.
3. A minimum of 3 journal/diary entries—Choose an issue or event of the war and reflect on your opinion regarding this issue. The diary entry should be no fewer than 2-3 paragraphs. Remember that you must reflect the perspective of your character—either a northerner or a southerner.
4. A minimum of one letter written to a person from the opposing side of the war, along with their response. The letter and response must both be at least three paragraphs long.
ORGANIZATION Be sure to organize your scrapbook somewhat chronologically. This would be the normal order for placing entries over a period of years and it will help you show cause and effect relationships between various events. Be sure you include items that reflect the entire period, not just a portion of it.
GRADING: Each scrapbook will be graded according to the following criteria:
- Fulfillment of required elements
- Quality of content
- Quality of Analysis in journal entries, letters and newspaper clippings
- Creativity, Neatness, and Appearance
- Quality of the writing and organization
You must include at least 8 of the following topics in some way in your scrapbook Possible topics:
1. general economic conditions
2. transportation and communication
3. the role of women in the war
4. foreign trade
5. the draft / conscription
6. healthcare on the battlefield
7. free blacks and runaway slaves
8. the Emancipation Proclamation
9. the use of black troops
10. prison camp conditions
11. “total war” in the south
12. continued settlement of the West
13. amendments to the Constitution
14. impact of the war with
15. turning point battles
16. military strategy and tactics
The scrap book is due the MONDAY after we return from Thanksgiving Break.
