Use this Lesson once students have a strong understanding of the rights of African Americans both before and after the passing of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments. It would also be helpful for students to have read the O. O. Howard and the Freedmen’s Bureau and The Ku Klux Klan and Violence at the Polls Narratives.

Use this Lesson in conjunction with the Abraham Lincoln and Emancipation Decision Point to have students analyze Abraham Lincoln's rhetoric throughout his presidency.

Use this Lesson alongside The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson Decision Point to introduce students to the concept of impeachment and how it has been used throughout U.S. history.

The injustice of slavery drove a division in the United States during the initial decades of the nineteenth century. But to what extent was slavery the fundamental cause of sectional differences that culminated in the Civil War? Brooks D. Simpson and John C. Waugh debate this challenging topic.

Did Lincoln exceed his powers while leading the country through the turmoils of the Civil War? Mackubin Owens and Allen Guelzo debate this issue.

Reconstruction witnessed some successes in bringing equality, liberty, and justice for African Americans. Brooks D. Simpson and John C. Waugh explore the lasting impact of Reconstruction policies on American principles.

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.

Use this primary source imagery to analyze major events in history.

The Civil War and Reconstruction transform the U.S.

Why was Fort Sumter the beginning of the Civil War?

What was the impact of the battle of Antietam on the Civil War?

Explore the impact of the Vicksburg and Gettysburg battles.

Why were some opposed to a draft during the Civil War?

Explores the life and bravery of Robert Gould Shaw.

How did women contribute to the war efforts on both sides?

Explores the story of Mary Chesnut and her Civil War diary.

Were Clement Vallandigham's free speech rights violated?

Was Sherman's policy of "total war" justified?

How did O.O. Howard fight for the rights of recently freed slaves?

How did the KKK suppress black rights in the 1860s and 1870s?

By the end of this section, you will explain how Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War impacted American ideals over the course of the war

By the end of this section, you will explain the various factors that contributed to the Union victory in the Civil War.

By the end of this section, you will explain the effects of government policy during Reconstruction on society from 1865 to 1877.

Did the Civil War help create a more perfect Union?

Answer Key for Chapter 8 of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness