1

Unit Plan Objectives and Essential Questions: American Civil War

Day 1: Focus Standard: 8.10.4 Discuss Abraham Lincolns presidency and his
significant writings and speeches and their relationship to the Declaration of
Independence, such as his House Divided speech and inaugural addresses
(1861 and 1865).
Objective:
Today I will watch videos and participate in a discussion
So that I can describe the differing perspectives of the North and South
about the War.
Essential Question: What were the different perspectives that Northerners
and Southerners had about the War?
Day 2: Comparing North and South: Advantages and Disadvantages
Focus Standard: 8.10.6 Describe critical developments and events in the war,
including the major battles, geographical advantages and obstacles,
technological advances, and General Lees surrender at Appomattox
Objective:
Today I will sort information and take notes on an organizer
So that I can describe the advantages and disadvantages of each side in the
Civil War.
Essential Question: What were the advantages and disadvantages of the
Union and Confederacy?
Day 3: The First Big Battle- Bull Run/ Manassas
Focus Standard: 8.10.6 Describe critical developments and events in the war,
including the major battles, geographical advantages and obstacles,
technological advances, and General Lees surrender at Appomattox
Objective:
Today I will read my source and answer questions
So that I can describe and analyze the first major battle of the Civil War at
Bull Run
Essential Question: What was the impact if the first major battle between the
Union and the Confederacy?
Day 4: McClellan vs Lee- Second Bull Run and Antietam
Focus Standard: 8.10.6 Describe critical developments and events in the war,
including the major battles, geographical advantages and obstacles,
technological advances, and General Lees surrender at Appomattox

2
Objective:
Today I will read my text and take notes
So that I can describe the progress of the war and the significance of the
Battle of Antietam.
Essential Question: How did the Battle of Antietam help turn the war in favor
of the Union?
Day 5: Emancipation Proclamation and African Americans in the War
Focus Standard: 8.10.4 Discuss Abraham Lincolns presidency and his
significant writings Emancipation Proclamation (1863).
Objective:
Today I will read my text and take notes
So that I can understand the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation
Essential Question: What was the lasting impact of the emancipation
proclamation on the civil war and on african americans during this time?
Day 6: Monday Emancipation Continued
Focus Standard: 8.10.4 Discuss Abraham Lincolns presidency and his
significant writings and speeches and their relationship to the Declaration of
Independence, such as his House Divided speech (1858), Gettysburg
Address (1863), Emancipation Proclamation (1863), and inaugural addresses
(1861 and 1865).
Objective:
Today I will complete a cause and effect organizer
So that I can understand the effect of the emancipation proclamation on
African Americans.
Essential Question: What were the causes and effects of the emancipation
proclamation?
Day 7-8: Tuesday/Wednesday Effects of the War
Focus Standard: 8.10.6 Describe critical developments and events in the war,
including the major battles, geographical advantages and obstacles,
technological advances, and General Lees surrender at Appomattox
Objective:
Today I will work as a group to analyze documents
So that I can understand the impact the Civil War had on different groups of
Americas
Essential Question: What impact did the Civil War have on different groups of
Americans?

Day 9: Thursday Battle of Gettysburg

Focus Standard: 8.10.6 Describe critical developments and events in the war,
including the major battles, geographical advantages and obstacles,
technological advances, and General Lees surrender at Appomattox
Objective:
Today I will read my source and take notes
So that I can describe the Battle of Gettysburg
Essential Question: Why is Gettysburg seen as a turning point in the Civil
War?
Day 10: Friday Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address
Focus Standard: 8.10.4 Discuss Abraham Lincolns presidency and his
significant writings and speeches and their relationship to the Declaration of
Independence, such as his House Divided speech (1858), Gettysburg
Address (1863), Emancipation Proclamation (1863), and inaugural addresses
(1861 and 1865).
Objective:
Today I will read and analyze two speeches
So that I can understand the importance of the Battle of Gettysburg and the
Second election of Lincoln
Essential Question: How did the Gettysburg Address and Lincolns second
inaugural speech demonstrate a shift in his message about the War?