Civil War Game

Most Civil War historians would agree that in order to win the war the North needed to carry the fight into the South. But the Southern commanders, especially General Robert E. Lee, believed that taking the fight into the North was the path to victory. This game is designed as a relatively simple way to introduce students to the military strategy of the American Civil War. It can be played by two students (North v. South) or groups of students representing those two opposing armies. The basic game board is not meant to be a completely accurate representation of geographical or topographical aspects of the theatre of operations. It is designed instead to challenge students to think strategically about the problems facing the opposing military commanders in their quest to win the war. Included is a “kismet” sheet that is designed to simulate some of the historical factors that were beyond the control of military planners including such things as weather, illness, morale, recruitment, incompetent subordinate commanders and the so-called “fog of war.”

Also included are discussion questions and a number of extension activities to broaden this activity.