Lesson Plan

Blue or Gray? Perspectives on the Civil War

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Using primary and secondary sources, such as letters and diaries from soldiers and civilians, learners consider why people fought in the American Civil War. A role-playing Historical Mingle activity, as well as discussion questions and two-voice poem activity, allow for options and differentiation as class members consider the important question in American history. 

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Use primary source packets to explore the reasons people fought in the American Civil War
  • After a Historical Mingle role play activity, examine the various perspectives on why people went to war
Classroom Considerations
  • Role play activity includes people who owned enslaved people and should be approached with sensitivity
Pros
  • Resource offers a variety of ways to explore the causes of the Civil War
  • Aspects of the lesson are easily adapted into other instruction
Cons
  • None