Unit Plan

A Nation Divided

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Can a presidential election cause a civil war? Learners research the events surrounding the presidential election of 1860 in a lesson that explores America's history. Using maps, videos, and primary sources, they uncover, brainstorm, and present the tensions surrounding the election of Abraham Lincoln.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Compare and contrast the 1860 presidential election, and its issues, to the latest presidential election to bring more realism to the impact of presidents on larger issues
  • Divide class into research teams to investigate and present the role the Civil War played on different groups in society (women, freed-men, ex-slaves, current slaves, etc.)
Classroom Considerations
  • Includes overhead projector and transparencies, adjust for today's technology
  • Lesson is designed to take two hours
  • The ninth installment of a 22-part series
Pros
  • Resource provides detailed visuals to enlarge for classroom use 
  • Lesson includes printable worksheets and materials 
Cons
  • None