What is sectionalism? A loyalty to the interest of one's region, or sectionalism, is really what sparked the Civil War. Learn about the South's attempt at expanding slavery westward and the power struggle between the two regions...

Why did Stephen Douglas support the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854? Why did Abraham Lincoln oppose it? Young historians examine how the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 affected the political balance between free and slave states and explore how...

Ninth graders explore the impact of the Underground Railroad. In this slavery instructional activity, 9th graders read about the Shadrach Minkins case and discuss the details of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Students consider how the...

Students read and discuss the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. They listen to the story of Reverend John Rankin, a reverend who openly broke the law to help free escape. They evaluate and debate the morality or immorality of breaking the...

In this U.S. history worksheet, students read articles about the Fugitive Slave Act and Western expansion. Students then respond to 14 short answer questions regarding the articles.

Learners read the novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and explain public attitudes towards slavery in 19th century America.

Students examine the cases of Henry Garnett and Moses Honner, both of the 1850s. Students analyze the political climate building up to the Civil War through the lens of these similar cases with different outcomes.