Civil War Research Project
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CivilWarResearchAssignment.docxCIVIL 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.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT
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. This assignment should be submitted electronically via Blackboard. All entries should be typed (doubled spaced) and all pages should be numbered. You must have documentation for each entry. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA. Appropriate citation format is required.
INTRODUCTION TO THE CIVIL WAR
1. 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.
2. 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. CITE YOUR SOURCES AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH PAGE. USE A MINIMUM OF TWO SOURCES FOR EACH CHOSEN EVENT/CAUSE.
A.
B. Bleeding Kansas
C. Compromise of 1850
D. Dred Scott Case
E. Fugitive Slave Act
F. Lecompton Constitution
G. Lincoln-Douglas Debates
H. Response to the Fugitive Slave Act
I. The Election of 1860
J. The Kansas Nebraska Act
K. Uncle Tom’s Cabin
L. Underground Railroad
M. Wilmont Proviso
DESCRIPTION OF PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS
3. As you study the Civil War you will encounter various people/characters. You must complete six (6) 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, there actions were precursors to the war. Choose the six you will describe from the list below. Include a picture of each person. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE ENTRIES. CITE YOUR SOURCES AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH PAGE. USE A MINIMUM OF TWO SOURCES.
Abraham Lincoln
Anthony Burns
Charles Francis Adams John Brown
David Walker
Frederick Douglass
Harriet Tubman Jefferson Davis
John Brown
Philip Henry Sheridan William T. Sherman
Robert E. Lee
Stephen Douglas
Ulysses S. Grant
William and Ellen Craft
William Lloyd Garrison
4. 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? Etc. CITE YOUR SOURCES AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH PAGE. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE ENTRIES. USE A MINIMUM OF TWO SOURCES.
Organizations
American Colonization Society American Anti-Slavery Society
Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society African Anti-Slavery Society
5. You must include a map of the Union and the Confederacy.
A. 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.
CIVIL WAR BATTLES
6. 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. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE ENTRIES. CITE YOUR SOURCES AT THE BOTTOM.
A. First Bull Run
B. Battle of Vicksburg
C. Battle of Antietam
D. The Atlanta Campaign
E. Battle of Gettysburg
F. The Assault on Fort Wagner
7. Include 5-7 pictures of the United States during the Civil War. Make sure your pictures have titles.
8. Describe each item. How did each impact the outcome of the Civil War? Each should be on a separate sheet of paper. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE ENTRIES. CITE YOUR SOURCES AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH PAGE.
A. African Americans in the Civil War B. Emancipation Proclamation
C. 54th Massachusetts Regiment D. Women in the Civil War
9. 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 such topics as the Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, the assassination of Lincoln, the Election of 1864, and Sherman’s March to the Sea. Discus 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. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE ENTRIES. CITE YOUR SOURCES THE BOTTOM OF EACH PAGE.
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.
THE ASSIGNMENT IS DUE DECEMBER 6, 2021. LATE PROJECTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
USE AT LEAST TWO SOURCES FOR EACH ENTRY. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA.
