Digital History
Digital History: What Was Life Like Under Slavery?
A sobering look at the life of the plantation slave in the decades before the Civil War. Read about the malnutrition, severe treatment, and inadequate living conditions.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: A War to End Slavery: John Wilkes Booth and Assassination of Lincoln
A lesson plan from the producers of the 16-episode PBS series "Freedom: A History of US" that examines the factors that led John Wilkes Booth to assassinate President Lincoln. Also involves comparing and contrasting Lincoln's and Andrew...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
Image of handwritten copy of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, accompanied by an explanation of the speech's purpose, impact, and role in American history.
Virginia Historical Society
Virginia Historical Society: Waging War: The Battlefront: Men of Color to Arms?
When the war began, many African Americans - North and South - volunteered to serve as soldiers. The vast majority were former slaves who sought to strike at slavery and improve their position in society. Desperate to avert defeat, the...
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: The Slave Experience: Legal Rights and Government
Using primary materials and oral histories, PBS tells the story of the slaves' legal rights and their position with the US Government.
Other
Sos Children's Villages: Our Africa History
Our Africa is a project that allows the children of Africa to film their lives and their country the way they see them. This section explains the painful past of Africa and what is needed for a stable future. Included are videos about...
University of Oregon
Mapping History: American History
Interactive and animated maps and timelines of historical events and time periods in American history from pre-European times until post-World War II.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Pennsylvania Democrats
A good look at the views of the Democratic Party in Pennsylvania just prior to and during the Civil War. Read about Democratic president from Pennsylvania, James Buchanan, and his views about the importance of slavery in the national...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Opb American History Interactive: Evaluating Evidence
Use this interactive lesson to practice evaluating evidence from primary sources in order to draw conclusions about a historical event. In this particular case, the event is the Civil War. The challenge is to decide for yourself which of...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: A House Divided
A very brief overview of the Civil War, the casualties, and the horrific social and economic effects across the nation. Included is a map that shows when each Southern state seceded from the Uniion.
The History Cat
The History Cat: African Americans After the War
Provides a discussion of what life was like for African Americans after slavery ended, focusing on the Freedman's Bureau, Freedman schools, and the Ku Klux Klan.
A&E Television
History.com: Black History Milestones
A detailed account of the history of African Americans is presented in this article. Divided by main topics or periods of time, the coming of slavery to America is the first focus. Followed by plantation life and escapes to freedom and...
Nebraska Studies
Nebraska Studies: Kansas Nebraska Act Signed
This is a narrative detailing the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854 and the controversy that grew from it.
US National Archives
Our Documents: A National Initiative on American History, Civics, and Service
Our Documents is home to one hundred milestone documents that influenced that course of American history and American democracy. Includes full-page scans of each document, transcriptions, background information on their significance, and...
Cornell University
Cornell University: Library: I Will Be Heard! Abolitionism in America
A collection of original manuscripts, letters, photographs, rare books, and other materials on abolitionism from the 1700s through 1865.
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Ethnic Groups Africian Americans
Perhaps one of the largest ethinc/cultural group to inhabit Arkansas are the African Americans. Follow their first arrival as slaves working the plantations through all the years toward emancipation, and into present times. Highly...
University of Oklahoma
Chronology of u.s. Historical Documents: The Emancipation Proclamation 1864
Here you can find the full text of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Abraham Lincoln in September 1862, and passed into law on January 1, 1863.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Harriet Tubman
View this engaging online exhibit to learn about Harriet Tubman, an outspoken advocate for African American and women's rights.
US National Archives
Nara: The Emancipation Proclamation
The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides an elaborate overview of Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Content includes detailed background information behind the document, photos of the original...
Other
Ithaca College:project Look Sharp: Media Construction of Presidential Campaigns
[Free Registration/Login Required] Provides a multi-unit curriculum kit on presidential campaigns that incorporates media literacy. Downloads include teacher guides, student handouts, media documents, visual and audio materials, and more.
Other
Beyond Face Value: Depictions of Slavery in Confederate Currency
This electronic exhibit focuses on the depictions of slaves in Confederate currency. Explore the virtual exhibit and think about the message, whether explicit (value) or implicit (images of slavery), that was communicated to the masses...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History: 1844 1877: Reconstruction: Black Codes
Discusses the Black Codes that white Southerners imposed on African Americans after the Civil War and the efforts by Republican politicians to protect their rights.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: South Carolina Collection
The PBS South Carolina Collection features a range of digital resources tailored especially for Palmetto State teachers and students. Topics include early education, literacy, African American history, STEM, Common Core, and many more!
Stephen Byrne
History for Kids: North American History
History reference page for elementary students provides an overview of early American history from the age of Columbus through the Civil War and abolition of slavery. Includes links to teacher resources.