Civil War Research Assignment United States History Fall ✓ Solved
Civil War Research Assignment united States History fall 2021
Imagine that you are traveling alone throughout the North and the South during the Civil War. You understand that this is a crucial point in American history and you wonder whether the country will be able to be strong once again. In order to record what you see for yourself and your posterity, you keep a record of your travels.
Each student will create a research assignment based on people who lived during the Civil War and the events that led up to the Civil War and ending of the war.
Your first entry should be at least one page introducing the Civil War. What was it? Who were involved? Why did it occur? Etc. The Civil War is often called the first modern war. Explain this phenomenon.
Discuss the causes and events that led to the Civil War. Some events that can be discussed are listed below. What role did each play in moving America towards a civil war? Which one of the six that you research was the most pivotal in dividing the country? Discuss at least six. Each entry should be at least one page. A minimum of two sources for each chosen event/ cause.
As you study the Civil War you will encounter various people/characters. You must complete six character descriptions, each at least one page in length. Each description should be on a separate page. Give background information for each person. What was his/her role or contribution to the Civil War era? While some people did not specifically participate in the war, their actions were precursors to the war.
Choose six from the provided list and cite two sources at the bottom of each page.
Include a discussion on the organizations. Each should be at least one page and on a separate page. What impact did each have on the Civil War? When did it come into existence? What were its goals? Who were members? Cite two sources at the bottom of each page.
You must include a map of the Union and the Confederacy. The Union should be identified via one color; the Confederate States should be identified via another color; the territories another color, and the border states another color.
Discuss the Civil War battles listed below. Each description should be at least two paragraphs. Discuss when and where the battles were fought, who were the military leaders, which side won the battle and any other pertinent information. How did winning or losing the battle impact either side? Include a picture for each battle. Cite your sources at the bottom.
Include 5-7 pictures of the United States during the Civil War. Make sure your pictures have titles. Describe each item. How did each impact the outcome of the Civil War? Each should be on a separate sheet of paper.
The final entry should be a summary describing the events that led to the end of the Civil War. The conclusion should consist of at least two pages. Include topics such as the Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, the assassination of Lincoln, the Election of 1864, and Sherman’s March to the Sea. Discuss in date order. Today, what evidence is there that slavery has had a negative impact on American society? Did slavery yield any positive consequences? Explain your position.
Include a title for the entry and a page number. You must have a cover page. All entries must be typed. You must have a table of contents. Use at least two sources for each entry. Do not use Wikipedia.
Paper For Above Instructions
The Civil War, lasting from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal conflict in United States history that marked a definitive turning point in the social, economic, and political landscape of the nation. The war emerged from a complex interplay of factors including sectionalism, slavery, and states' rights. It primarily pitted the Union (the North) against the Confederacy (the South), culminating in a struggle that was driven by deep-seated differences in societal values and economic systems. The question of slavery became increasingly central as tensions escalated, leading to an inevitable conflict between a nation divided.
Characterized as the first modern war, the Civil War saw advancements in military technology and tactics, including the use of rifled muskets, railroads for troop movement, and telegraph communication. This war was marked by more sophisticated and deadly forms of warfare, which resulted in unprecedented casualties and set the stage for modern military conflicts.
Among the significant events leading to the Civil War were “Bleeding Kansas”, the “Dred Scott Case”, the “Compromise of 1850”, the “Fugitive Slave Act”, the “Election of 1860”, and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. Each of these events played critical roles in exacerbating tensions between the North and South. For instance, "Bleeding Kansas" (1854-1859) was characterized by violent conflicts between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, illustrating the bitter struggle over the expansion of slavery into new territories (Hoffman, 2016). The “Compromise of 1850” attempted to address the status of territories acquired during the Mexican-American War and introduced measures like the Fugitive Slave Act that alienated Northern states (McPherson, 2001).
Individuals such as Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass significantly impacted the Civil War through their advocacy for freedom and equality. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, delivered the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territories (Goodheart, 2018). Harriet Tubman, a former enslaved woman, famously helped many others escape via the Underground Railroad, while Frederick Douglass, a prominent abolitionist, worked tirelessly to end slavery and fought for the civil rights of African Americans (Blight, 2018).
Organizations also played a pivotal role during the Civil War. The American Anti-Slavery Society, founded in 1833, sought to end slavery through moral persuasion and political action, organizing campaigns and literature that influenced public opinion (Klein, 2017). Similarly, the Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established for enslaved people fleeing to freedom, reflecting grassroots efforts against the institution of slavery (Lerner, 2019).
The battles of the Civil War were numerous and significant. The First Bull Run in July 1861 was the first major battle, resulting in a Confederate victory that dispelled any hopes of a quick war (Seigenthaler, 2019). The Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 was turning for the Union, marking the high tide of the Confederacy (Coddington, 1998). Each battle shaped the strategies and morale of both sides, ultimately influencing the war's outcome profoundly.
Moreover, key occurrences such as Lincoln's Assassination on April 14, 1865, reverberated throughout the nation, deepening the alleys of division (Hoffman, 2016). Sherman’s March to the Sea in late 1864 showcased total war tactics that sought to dismantle the South's capacity to wage war (Cornfield, 2020). The surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865 exemplified the collapse of the Confederacy, effectively ending the Civil War.
The legacy of slavery remains evident in contemporary American society, with ongoing discussions about systemic racism and its roots in the antebellum period. While some argue there were no justifiable outcomes from slavery, others suggest that the struggle for freedom and equality spurred movements that ultimately laid the groundwork for civil rights advancements in the future (Du Bois, 2018).
In conclusion, the Civil War was a landmark event that not only transformed the United States but also changed how war is fought, leading to modern warfare's evolution. Its ramifications continue to shape America's journey towards equality and justice.
References
- Blight, D. W. (2018). Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. Simon & Schuster.
- Coddington, E. B. (1998). The Gettysburg Campaign: A Study in Command. Simon & Schuster.
- Cornfield, J. (2020). Sherman's March: The Story of the Most Audacious Strategy of the Civil War. History Press.
- Du Bois, W. E. B. (2018). The Souls of Black Folk. Oxford University Press.
- Goodheart, A. (2018). 1861: The Civil War Awakening. Knopf.
- Hoffman, M. (2016). History of the Civil War. Crown Publishing.
- Klein, M. F. (2017). Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction: A Longer View. Yale University Press.
- Lerner, M. (2019). Souls of Black Folk. Cambridge University Press.
- McPherson, J. M. (2001). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
- Seigenthaler, J. (2019). The First Bull Run: The Great Battle of the Civil War. University of Illinois Press.