Factors Leading to the Civil War

Pre Civil War information covering the causes of the war. Students often memorize dates and events without understanding why these events have occurred. This unit study is designed to encourage students to analyze the issues and use critical thinking skills to come to conclusions. They will understand that causes of war are many and varied. Often there are no clear cut "good guys" and "bad guys." Students need to be capable of using logic and critical thinking to become active citizens in the democratic process of our country.

Standards

Arizona Standards:
Strand 1: American History
Concept 6: Civil War and Reconstruction
P.O. 1 Analyze the Factors Leading to the War
a) role of abolitionists
b) Sectionalism and States' Rights
c) Westward Expansion
d) Missouri and 1850 Compromises
e) Dred Scott Decision
f) Kansas-Nebraska Act

Strand 2: World History
Concept 1: Research Skills
P.O. 7 Analyze the cause and effect relationships between and among individuals and/or historical events

Strand 3: Civics/Government
Concept 3: Functions of Government
P.O. 1: Analyze the Significance of the Dred Scott Decision

Strand 4: Geography
Concept 4: Human Systems
P.O. 10: Describe how changes in technology, transportation, communication, and resources affect the location of economic activities.

Strand 5: Economics
Concept 5: Personal Finance
P.O. 3: Describe how income for most people is determined by the value of the goods and services they sell.

Credits

Chadwick, B. (2011). Causing the Civil War. Retrieved December 16, 2011 from http://teachinghistory.org/history-content/beyond-the-textbook/23912

Civil War Trust (2011). Retrieved December 16, 2012 from http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/civil-war-overview/statesrights.html

Classroom Clipart http://classroomclipart.com/clipart-view/History/United_States/Civil_War/ho_civil_war_13a_jpg.htm

Hamner, C. (2011). The Disaster of Innovation. TeachingHistory.org. Retrieved from http://teachinghistory.org/history-content/ask-a-historian/24411

American Civil War.Com (n.d.). The Dred Scott Decision. Retrieved December 20, 2012 from http://americancivilwar.com/colored/dred_scott.html