What political event directly led to South Carolina seceding from the Union?

Abraham Lincoln winning the presidential election of 1860

Explain how the issue of slavery affected the balance of power in the United States leading up to the Civil War.

As the US expanded, the question of whether new states would be slave or free states disrupted the balance in Congress, leading to political tensions and failed compromises.

How did the failure of the Whig party contribute to the outbreak of the Civil War?

The Whig party's inability to address the slavery issue led to its dissolution, creating a political vacuum that the Republican party, with its anti-slavery platform, filled. This further polarized the nation.

What event is considered the start of the Civil War, and why?

The attack on Fort Sumter by South Carolinian militia is considered the start of the Civil War. This event prompted President Lincoln to send Union troops to retake the South.

Describe the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation in the context of the Civil War.

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued after the Union victory at Antietam, declared all slaves in Confederate territory free, reinforcing the moral cause of the war for the Union.

Causes of the Civil War

6th GradeSocial Studies36 min

Learning Objective

I can identify the main causes of the Civil War.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

5 min

American Civil War | 3 Minute History

Jabzy

Guided Notes

7 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the presidential election, which led South Carolina to secede from the Union.
•
The Civil War officially began when South Carolinan militiamen attacked Fort Sumter in 1861.
•
After the battle of Antietam, President Lincoln emancipated all slaves inside the Confederate territory, reinforcing the moral cause of the war and leading to the Thirteenth Amendment which abolished slavery.

Practice

11 min

6 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Name three main causes of the Civil War as discussed in the video.”

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
Extension activities
Printable student handouts

Causes of the Civil War

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

New to Insta~Lesson?

About Insta~Lesson

How Insta~Lesson Helps Teachers Plan

How Insta~Lesson Supports Instruction Schoolwide