United States History

"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.

Exploring first person female narratives related to Sherman's march to the sea

This lesson plan uses first person narratives from the Documenting the American South collection to demonstrate differences in perspective related to historical events, in this case, Sherman's march to the sea. It encourages students to compare the views of two southern ladies with that of a Union soldier.

Format: lesson plan (grade 11–12 Social Studies)

By Meghan Mcglinn.

Resources on the web

Lincoln goes to war

This lesson explores the decision-making process that precipitated the Civil War, focusing on deliberations within the Lincoln administration that led to the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities

Attitudes toward emancipation

The Emancipation Proclamation carried Americans across an important frontier in the political growth of the nation. Through the Internet, students can return to this frontier and explore the many obstacles and alternatives we faced in making this passage... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 11 Social Studies)

Provided by: ESITEment