African-Americans in the Civil War mini-unit, including text

Unlike the American Revolutionary War, there was no conflict or disagreement amongst African-Americans over which side to support. Although Northern policy at the beginning of the war was to preclude black participation in the war effort, both the need for manpower and the realization that ending the War required ending slavery quickly reversed that policy and with it, the course of the War itself.

In this two day mini-unit, students will learn about the unique experience of African-Americans in the Civil War, as nearly 200,000 black soldiers and sailors fought to end the “Peculiar Institution” that had robbed generations of their kinsmen their inalienable rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” In fighting for their country and for the freedom of their kinsmen, African-Americans had to battle Southern bullets as well as Northern racism. Students will read an informative and interesting chapter from my textbook “We Take Nothing by Conquest”, answer an inquiry based study guide to focus their attention on the main points and supporting details, and finish the unit by playing a fun and competitive game that will reinforce their learning.

Materials include:
* 5 pages of informative and interesting text (adapted from the chapter Other Battlefronts from my textbook “We Take Nothing by Conquest”);
* an inquiry based study guide for the chapter to focus students on the main points and supporting details;
* a 23 slide PowerPoint with answers to the study guide for review, including pictures to stimulate discussion and enhance understanding;
* an 8 page Teacher’s Guide which provides day-by-day and step-by-step instructions how to use all of the materials;
* a fun and educational board game complete with game board, playing cards, and instructions;
* a 10 multiple choice question unit quiz to assess student learning.

Answer keys for the study guide and unit quiz are included in the Teacher’s Guide. Materials are provided as word documents and PDFs in one zip file. 

Created by Cliff Baker - Ye Olde History Emporium