Quotes: With all my devotion to the Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home. I have therefore resigned my commission in the Army, and save in defense of my native State, with the sincere hope that my poor services may never be needed, I hope I may never be called on to draw my sword...                                    ~Robert E. Lee

"No terms, except unconditional and immediate surrender, can be accepted. I propose to move immediately on your works. I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, "  ~Ulysses S. Grant~

Unit Overview: This Unit looks at the concepts of civil war.  Students will examine the causes and main events of the Civil War and includes the contributions of Texas and Texans to this historic conflict. The unit also includes the study of the effects of the Civil War in Texas.  Investigating and understanding  the roles of government, citizens, and society during this major conflict in American history will be examine from both sides. 

Introduction:  The Civil War is called by several different names depending on point of view. It was called “The Great Rebellion”, “Just Cause”, and the “War that Divided the Nation”. It was a conflict between brothers, father and sons; North vs. South, rights vs. wrong, and beliefs. Historians believed this war is significant in defining our “American Character”. It made our country stronger and better rather than weaker and worse off. Some of the main causes are still an issue today. The enduring questions are

¨      Did this war help shape what the United States character is today?

¨      What was the impact this war had on our Constitution?

¨      Is there any justification for war?

¨      Can it happen again in history and under what circumstances?

Learning objectives:

¨      Analyzing cause and effect relationships

¨      Evaluating leaders and their impact during this war (POV)

¨      Applying geography skills and interpreting data to predict outcomes

¨      Justifying decisions made by people during this war

¨      Defining the political climate and  effect

¨      Economical and social aspects of this war

¨      Understanding the impact of the Texans effort during this war

¨      Analyzing a primary source effectively

¨      Improving expository writing skills