Social Studies — Grade 8

"A female raid" in 1863: Using newspaper coverage to learn about North Carolina's Civil War homefront

In this lesson plan, students will use original newspaper coverage to learn about a raid on local stores by Confederate soldier's wives in March 1863 in Salisbury, North Carolina, and use that historical moment to explore conscription, life on the homefront, economic issues facing North Carolina merchants, the challenges of wartime politics, and the role of newspaper editors in shaping public opinion.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 and 11 Social Studies)

By Kathryn Walbert.

Confederate currency: An inflation simulation

Using primary sources from the Documenting the American South collection, this lesson provides a brief simulation of inflation during the Civil War while introducing students to issues faced on the home front.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)

By Lewis Nelson.

Resources on the web

North Carolina and the Civil War

Online exhibits from the North Carolina Museum of History include artifacts, photographs, audio readings of soldiers' letters, and more. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: North Carolina Museum of History