University of Groningen
American History: Essays: Black Lost Cause. Colored Service in Confederate Army
This well-researched extensive essay by Peter Stam looks at the issue of the number of African Americans serving in the Confederate Army as soldiers. By examining information from many historians, some of whom turn out to be unreliable,...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Cwsac: Civil War Battle Summaries: Lower Seaboard Theater and Gulf
Here you will find a listing of all the engagements in the Lower Seaboard Theater and Gulf Approach campaigns in the Civil War. Hyperlinks take you to descriptions of the individual engagements.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: Reconstruction and the Formerly Enslaved
What are the "big questions" of Reconstruction? Article provides an overview of the Reconstruction period when Americans debated rights and the nature of freedom and equality. It focuses on who was an American and how citizenship should...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Antietam: The Emancipation Proclamation (Full Text)
Read a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Abraham Lincoln in September, 1862, and put into law on January 1, 1863.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The Fourteenth Amendment Part I
This video segment from The Supreme Court introduces viewers to the 14th amendment.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: The Price of Freedom: Americans at War
View comprehensive sets of artifacts that tell the story of America's wartime past and present. Artifacts from every major American military conflict, beginning with the American Revolution, can be closely examined. Full curatorial notes...
US Navy
Naval Historical Center: The h.l. Hunley in Historical Context
An extensive history of the Confederate submarine, H.L.Hunley, the first submarine to sink a warship. Also information about two earlier prototypes.
University of Georgia
University of Georgia: Hargrett Library Rare Map Collection: American Civil War
This collection of rare Civil War maps enhance the study and learning of the Civil War. They provide a wealth of insight into the war and helps to better understand the events that occurred. A great resource for teachers and an exciting...
University of California
History Project: Lincoln and the Outbreak of War, 1861
Using primary source documents, this middle school lesson plan focuses on Lincoln's role in the outbreak of the Civil War, specifically his actions as President during his first six weeks in office.
Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press.
New Georgia Encyclopedia: Atlanta Campaign
The New Georgia Encyclopedia offers an excellent article describing the synopsis and details of the Atlanta campaign in which the Confederacy tried to stop Union General William Tecumseh Sherman from capturing Atlanta in 1864.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Learning Lab: Abraham Lincoln: The Face of a War
A detailed lesson plan of Abraham Lincoln to celebrate the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth. In a PDF file, the complete lesson is provided along with visual aides needed for the lesson. Draws on photographs and masks of Lincoln's face...
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Pea Ridge Campaign
Find out the importance of the Pea Ridge Campaign and how it figured in keeping Missouri, a prize desired by both the north and the south, in the Union.
Other
Civil War Artillery Projectiles: Field Artillery Projectiles
A wealth of information about the projectiles used in artillery in both the North and the South. Included are pictures, cross-sections, and descriptions of the various types of projectiles.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Telegram Announcing the Surrender of Fort Sumter (1861)
Offers an image of the original telegram from Major Anderson announcing his surrender of Fort Sumter. Discusses this event and the historical events surrounding it.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: American Revolution: The Wars of the American Revolution
This essay contends that the American Revolution was not just one war, but several. Mr. Carp from Pacific Lutheran University supports his ideas in a very clear manner.
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Battle of Pea Ridge
The Battle of Pea Ridge hinged on which side had the best commanders. Find out who was involved in this battle for control of the Trans-Mississippi West and the results of the bitter fighting. Included are biographies and pictures of the...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Sam Houston: A Study of Leadership [Pdf]
Article and learning activity on Sam Houston. Includes questions for discussion and small group activity.
Central Intelligence Agency
Cia: Intelligence in the Civil War [Pdf]
A multi-topic look at intelligence gathering, the tools used, and the people involved in both the North and the South during the Civil War. Comprehensive, interesting coverage from the CIA.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: The Final Years: 1864 1865
Article on the final events of the Civil War including Sherman's Campaign, Lincoln's re-election, assassination, and Appomatox. The author also discusses the role of women, politics and diplomacy, financial matters, and war legacy. Links...
Library of Congress
Loc: American Time Capsule: Three Centuries of Broadsides and Other Printed Ephemera
This collection provides a unique view of American History using items such as posters, business cards, flyers, catalogs, advertisements and leaflets. These items capture experiences from important turning points such as the American...
PBS
Pbs the West: Charles Goodnight
Charles Goodnight (1836-1929) was one of the most prosperous cattleman of the American West. Read a thorough biography about him here at this site.
Duke University
Duke University Special Collections Library: Alice Williamson Diary
"Wonder what it would have been like to have been 16 when the Union Army attacked?" Find out from this first hand account. Alice Williamson's diary and some background on her life is given at this site. Hyperlinks to additional information.
US National Archives
National Archives: Lesson Plans Congress, the President, and the War Powers
Examine the power of Congress to make war by studying primary source documents from various wars throughout U.S. history. Students will analyze how the balance of authority between the legislative branch and executive branch has changed...
Wisconsin Historical Society
Turning Points in Wisconsin History: Iron Brigade, Old Abe and Military Affairs
A treasure trove of articles, artifacts, and books dealing with Wisconsin soldiers in the Civil War. Included is a picture of a feather from Old Abe, the bald eagle mascot of the 8th Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Many...