Summary
The American Civil War was anything but civil. More than 150 years later, it remains the deadliest war in the nation's history. The secession of 11 southern states triggered a crisis, followed by an attack on a U.S. fort that started the fighting. Robert E. Lee led the army of the rebel states, known as the Confederacy, to early victories. But the Union gained an advantage under Ulysses S. Grant, turning the tide at the Battle of Gettysburg. Midway through the war, the Emancipation Proclamation allowed formerly enslaved men to join the Union Army, though slavery wouldn't be abolished until after the war. The South finally surrendered after Sherman's devastating March to the Sea. But President Lincoln's victory was cut short when he was assassinated just a few days later. Press "play" to learn more about the fight to preserve the United States.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Civil War:
- What is one new thing you learned about civil war?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining civil war.
- Draw or give one example of your own.