Causes of the Civil War

8th GradeSocial Studies15 min

Learning Objective

I can identify the main causes of the Civil War.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

5 min

Debunking the myth of the Lost Cause: A lie embedded in American history - Karen L. Cox

Unknown Channel

Guided Notes

5 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • Between 1860 and 1861, 11 Southern states seceded from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America in response to the growing movement to abolish slavery.

  • The Cornerstone of the new Confederate government was white supremacy, and the Confederate Vice President, Alexander Stephens, declared that slavery and subordination to whites was the 'natural and normal condition' for Black people.

  • The organization, United Daughters of the Confederacy, played a key role in passing Lost Cause ideas to future generations by monitoring textbooks to minimize the horrors of slavery and erecting Confederate monuments.

Practice

10 min

3 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

What were the main reasons that Confederate leaders gave for seceding from the United States?

Teacher Guide

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