Curated OER
The Battle Over Reconstruction: The Politics of Reconstruction
High schoolers participate in a simulation as a Congress member to decide which policies to support in Reconstruction. In this Reconstruction era lesson, students read primary source documents to use as the basis for a mock debate. High...
Indiana University
Civil Liberty & the Civil War: The Indianapolis Treason
Contains the remarks of U.S. Chief Justice William Rehnquist concerning the Ex Parte Milligan case, the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus during the Civil War and the present, and the Indianapolis Treason Trials.
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: New Birth of Freedom: Lincoln's Presidency and the Civil War
In this lesson, 8th graders will examine primary source letters and speeches to learn about the lives of soldiers and leaders during the Civil War and about Lincoln as a leader. Student resources are included.
Cornell University
Cornell University: Library: Rare and Manuscript Collections: Gettysburg Address
See a copy of the only privately held copy of the Gettysburg Address and read contemporary newspaper reviews of Lincoln's stirring speech.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Border States in the Civil War
From "The Historical Times Encyclopedia of the Civil War" is this explanation of the critical importance of the border states and why the Lincoln administration worked to keep these states as part of the Union.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Lincoln Goes to War
A lesson plan that includes six activities focusing on "the decision-making process that precipitated the Civil War". Activities have students reviewing the decision Lincoln made to secure Fort Sumter, the secession crisis of 1861, and...
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus
This page provides Abraham Lincoln's orders to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in 1861 during the Civil War. From "Official Records of the Civil War."
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address
Learn about the context behind the Gettysburg Address through this detailed, historical account. Contained within this site are links to audio and pictorial images of events and people of this era.
US Department of the Treasury
U.s. Department of the Treasury: History: Salmon P. Chase (1861 1864)
The Office of the Curator of the Department of the Treasury provides a brief account of the life of Salmon P. Chase, including his role as President Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury from 1861 to 1864.
US Department of the Treasury
U.s. Department of the Treasury: History: William P. Fessenden (1864 1865)
The Office of the Curator of the Department of the Treasury provides a brief account of the life of William P. Fessenden, including his role as President Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury from 1864 to 1865.
Other
Tulane University: Crisis at Fort Sumter: Salmon P. Chase
This site provides a lengthy biography of Salmon P. Chase, including his role as Secretary of the Treasury under Abraham Lincoln.
Other
Harp Week: Edwin Mc Masters Stanton
This site provides a detailed biography of Edwin McMasters Stanton. Content includes his role as President Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of War.
Other
Abraham Lincoln's White House: James Speed (1812 1887)
A description of Abraham Lincoln's friendship with James Speed and his term as Attorney General in the Lincoln Administration.
Other
Abraham Lincoln's White House: William Dennison (1815 1882)
An overview of the political career of William Dennison (1815-1882), Postmaster General under President Abraham Lincoln. Some historic photographs accompany the reading.
Other
Mr. Lincoln's White House: John Palmer Usher (1816 1889)
Describes the political career of John Usher, once the Secretary of the Interior under President Abraham Lincoln. Interesting historic photographs accompany the information.
Other
Library Company of Philadelphia: Genesis of Republicanism
Exhibition documents the birth and growth of the Grand Old Party during the period from 1854-72. Includes information about the party's early character and issues of consequence that affected its development, including Lincoln's...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1844 1877: Government Policies During the Civil War
A quick comprehension check over government policies during the Civil War.
Library of Congress
Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: Bates, Edward, 1793 1869
Provides a quick fact list of the accomplishments of Edward Bates (1793-1869). Learn about his political career and how it led to his appointment as Attorney General under President Abraham Lincoln.
Other
Great American History: Abraham Lincoln Lesson Plans
This collection provides several suggested lesson plans appropriate for grades 6-8 and 9-12. The objective of these lesson plans is to insure that students understand the basic facts of Abraham Lincoln's life.
Other
Civil War Indiana: Caleb Blood Smith
This site presents a brief biography of Caleb Blood Smith, the first citizen of Indiana to hold a Presidential Cabinent position. Search under Caleb Blood Smith for the information.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Kids History: Gettysburg Address
Kids learn about the Gettysburg Address; major event in the American Civil War.
Illinois Institute of Technology
The Oyez Project: Ex Parte Milligan
Read a brief abstract of the Ex Parte Milligan Case. Offers biographical links to each of the nine justices who decided upon the case.
Other
Impeachment of Andrew Johnson: William H. Seward
Short biography of the man who served as secretary of state under President Lincoln and Johnson.