University of Groningen
American History: Documents: Constitution of the Confederate States of America
Read the full text of the Constitution of the Confederate States of America.
University of California
History Project: Lincoln and the Outbreak of War, 1861
Using primary source documents, this middle school lesson plan focuses on Lincoln's role in the outbreak of the Civil War, specifically his actions as President during his first six weeks in office.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: Civil War Introduction
Article introducing the Civil War. The author provides background information on the debates between the North and South eventually leading to war.
PBS
Pbs the West: Charles Goodnight
Charles Goodnight (1836-1929) was one of the most prosperous cattleman of the American West. Read a thorough biography about him here at this site.
Other
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources: Civil War Sesquicentennial
North Carolina is rich in Civil War history. The Department of Cultural Resources has compiled this digital library of primary source documents to and from soldiers in honor of the sesquicentennial of the war.
White House Historical Association
White House Historical Association: The Great Cause of Union
Information with lesson plan for grades 9-12 about Abraham Lincoln's presidency focuses on the decisions and political actions he had to make throughout the Civil War.
The History Cat
The History Cat: The Civil War
Discover an abundance of facts about the Civil War from topics such as Fort Sumter, the secession crisis, how the war was won, Bull Run, and Civil War soldiers.
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Origins and Outbreak of the Civil War
After reading this section, students will be able to explain the major events that occurred during the Secession Crisis and describe the creation and founding principles of the Confederate States of America.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Freedom: A History of Us: A War to End Slavery Webisode 6
A wonderful, interactive site covering many aspects of the Civil War. See photographs, primary sources, and find interesting tidbits about the war. Included are links to lesson plans, teacher guides, resources, activities, and tools.
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina: The Civil War Day by Day
These primary sources offer a glimpse into the mentality of those living in the South during the Civil War. Included are pictures, letters from soldiers, letters from women on the homefront, and reactions to the Confederate surrender and...
Smithsonian Institution
Civil War@smithsonian: Leaders
This site has photographs and paintings of Civil War leaders, both political and military. Clicking on the arrow will take you through pictures and brief biographies of the leaders. From the National Portrait Gallery.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Primary Source Set: Powhatan People and English at Jamestown
This collection uses primary sources to explore the encounter between the Powhatan people and English at Jamestown.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: The Confederate Army in the Civil War
Find out about the difficulty the Confederacy had in forming an army because of "states' rights" issues and organizational problems. From "The Historical Times Encyclopedia of the Civil War."
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: The War Begins
Provides a detailed description of the attack on Fort Sumter during the Civil War from Confederate Military History, Vol. 5, Chapter I, a series published in 1899.
Digital History
Digital History: The Civil War Begins [Pdf]
The election of 1860 showed the deep divisions that split the country. With four candidates representing four very different approaches to the issue of slavery, the outcome resulted in the secession of South Carolina, followed eventually...
Other
Csa Currency: Csa Currency Page
This site describes all currency used by the Confederacy. Use the Table of Contents to find descriptions as well as history of the currency. On this page you can also access information about Confederate coins, flags, stamps, and bonds.
Other
Crisis at Fort Sumter
Detailed background information is provided to assist users in solving the dilemmas facing President Lincoln in the events surrounding the fall of Fort Sumter.
Other
American Primary Sources Challenge: Jefferson Davis' Inaugural Speech
A concise biography of Jefferson Davis' including details of his election as President of the Confederacy.
Other
Wofford Library: 150 Years Later: The Inauguration of Jefferson Davis
A blog review of Jefferson Davis' inauguration after being chosen President of the Confederacy.
C-SPAN
C Span American Writers: A Diary From Dixie
A summary and full text of A Diary from Dixie, an account of life as a woman in the South during the Civil War, by Mary Chesnut.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
A detailed biography of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, Lieutenant General in the Confederate Army, and the right hand man of Robert E. Lee. From "Who Was Who in the Civil War" by Stewart Sifakis.
C-SPAN
American Writers: Mary Chesnut
An informational site on Mary Chesnut. Includes general information about her life, works, and writings, including A Diary from Dixie. Also includes links to other sites.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Abraham Lincoln
The Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia offers biographical information on Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865 CE), including short-answer basics and a "Life in brief."
Siteseen
Siteseen: Civil Conflict: Confederate States of America
Outline of the beginning of the Civil War in which the Southern states began seceding from the Union and forming a Confederacy.