Curated OER
"In Defense of My Race and Country": African-American Soldiers on Why They Are Fighting
Why would an African-American slave fight in the Civil War? Read and analyze primary source documents to understand the ex-slave perspective on fighting in the Union Army. Everything to complete this lesson is included.
Curated OER
United States Colored Troops
Students explore the role that African American soldiers had in the Civil War and the impact they had on the US Civil Rights movement after the war. They complete a timeline, read an excerpt and analyze a primary image.
Curated OER
The Civil War Experience
Eighth graders study the Civil War. In this Civil War lesson, 8th graders read and analyze primary sources. Students complete handouts in relation to the primary sources.
Curated OER
Preservation of Civil War Battlefields
Eighth graders examine the importance of battlefield preservation. In this US History lesson, 8th graders participate in a virtual tour of battle sites. Students create a map of Gettysburg to see the topography of the battle site.
Curated OER
Mine eyes have seen...Union soldiers in the South
Pupils examine letters written by Union soldiers fighting in the South during the Civil War, and write descriptions of the South using information found in the letters.
Curated OER
Abraham Lincoln Greets Union Soldiers
In this Abraham Lincoln worksheet, students identify the picture of Abraham Lincoln greeting the Union soldiers. Students color the picture.
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Union Triumphant
This section of a chapter on "The Civil War" describes the reasons why many Americans doubted that Abraham Lincoln would be reelected and explains how the Union forces overpowered the Confederacy.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System
The place to go for information on the soldiers and sailors who served during the Civil War in both the Confederate and Union military. Use the searchable database to locate basic information about the 6.3 million men who served on both...
Library of Congress
Loc: Learning Page: Civil War Soldiers' Stories
Included here are primary source documents that tell the story of Civil War soldiers in their own words. These historic documents tell why men and boys joined so enthusiastically, and what trials and suffering were endured.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: The Union Army in the Civil War
A brief article from "The Historical Times of the Civil War" gives a review of the Regular Army of the United States and its composition at the beginning of the Civil War.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Ambrose Burnside
A biography of Ambrose Burnside outlining the bright spots and disasters of his military career. Included is an explanation of the term "sideburns." From "Who Was Who in the Civil War" by Stewart Sifakis.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Joseph Hooker
Read about one of the more colorful generals in the Civil War. Joseph Hooker alienated his superiors and distrusted his subordinate officers. From "Who Was Who in the Civil War" by Stewart Sifakis.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: George Brinton Mc Clellan
A biography of George McClellan, commander of the Union forces for many important battles during the Civil War. From "Who Was Who in the Civil War" by Steward Sifakis.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Philip Sheridan
Detailed description of Sheridan's Civil War efforts as a military leader. From "Who Was Who in the Civil War" by Stewart Sifakis.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Presidential Log Cabins: Ulysses S. Grant, Hero of the Civil War
Part of a larger biography of presidents is this article which focuses on Ulysses S. Grant in his role as general in the Civil War.
National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center: Abraham Lincoln's Crossroads
Detailed information about Lincoln's life and political career is included in this interactive game. Learn about decisions Lincoln had to make by playing this instructive game.
PBS
New Perspectives on the West: Philip Sheridan
Read about Sheridan's experience in the Civil War and his later accomplishments fighting the Plains Indians.
Other
Camp Nelson: United States Colored Troops at Camp Nelson
This site from Camp Nelson provides text, photos, and original documents of Camp Nelson, a refugee and training camp for African-Americans during the Civil War.
Other
Wild Geese Today: Colonel Patrick Guiney: Boston's 'Good Knight'
In-depth, action filled look at an Irish soldier's life in the Civil War.
Other
Wild Geese: General Michael Corcoran
A five-part article about Michael Corcoran, an Irish immigrant who volunteered when Lincoln first issued a call for troops. Read about his actions at Bull Run, in a Southern prison camp, and his leadership of the Irish Brigade. This...
Other
Pennsylvania Heritage Society: Pennsylvania Civil War 150: Interactive Soldier
Videos and models of Civil War reenactors illustrate the uniform and drills of Union soldiers. Also includes a cannon-firing demonstration.
Smithsonian Institution
Civil War@smithsonian: Winslow Homer's Civil War Sketches
During the Civil War, Winslow Homer was a freelance artist for "Harper's Weekly," a leading news magazine of the day. This site examines Homer's work, which documents the lives of the soldiers who fought for the North. Includes an...
Curated OER
National Park Service: The Battle of First Manassas
A review of the first Manassas campaign, also known as Bull Run. Find a description of the battle in the morning and afternoon as well as a description of Order of Battle and of the troops, officers, and the casualties.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Civil Conflict: Civil War Uniforms: Union Soldiers
Using photographs, article provides facts detailing the Civil War uniforms worn by Union Soldiers.