Description

S.N.A.K.E: Anaconda Plan SIMULATION, Stations, Notes, and Analysis!

A full-class Civil War strategy experience where your students become the Union generals carrying out the Anaconda Plan.
Get your classroom moving, thinking, and feeling like they’re making the strategic calls that shaped the Civil War.

This immersive simulation includes 7 interactive stations (plus civilian perspective and reflection!) that follow the logic of the Anaconda Plan, blending military strategy, economic pressure, geography, and emotional impact.

WHAT STUDENTS DO AT EACH STATION:

Table 1 – S: Surround the South (Naval Blockade Design)
Students place ships on a U.S. map to create a naval blockade. They must decide which Confederate ports to block and explain how this weakens the South militarily.

Table 2 – N: No Trade (Economic Warfare)
Using illustrated Trade Item Cards, students decide which Southern goods are most vital (cotton, weapons, food, etc.) and reflect on how cutting them off crushes the economy.

Table 3 – Confederate Comeback #1 (Civilian Reaction: Savannah Letter)
Students read a dramatic firsthand-style letter from a Southern girl in Savannah as she describes life after the Union captures Fort Pulaski. They reflect on how Union strategies are impacting civilians.

Table 4 – A: Attack the Mississippi (Siege of Vicksburg Map Activity)
Students simulate a siege of Vicksburg, choosing between military tactics (starve them out, dig trenches, bombard) and draw challenge cards like flooding, disease, or snipers to adjust their plan.

Table 5 – Life Inside Vicksburg (Civilian Letter: Josie’s Cave Diary)
Students read a powerful letter from a young girl hiding in a cave with her enslaved caretaker during the siege. The letter shows starvation, fear, and humanity. Students reflect on the emotional toll of war.

Table 6 – K: Keep Supplies from Moving (Sabotage Strategy)
Students use a Confederate railroad map to sabotage supply lines. They choose 3 targets and justify how their sabotage would isolate and weaken Southern resistance.

Table 7 – E: End the War (Target City Planning)
Students review 3 possible final targets (Atlanta, Charleston, Richmond) and analyze which city should be attacked to break Confederate morale. Spoiler alert: They might pick Atlanta… just in time for Sherman’s intro tomorrow!

Final Task – Union Victory Review
Students reflect on the most effective strategies used and analyze why the Anaconda Plan worked. Perfect for closure and assessment.

INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO RUN IT:

✔️ Editable station task slides
✔️ All letters, cards, maps, and tokens
✔️ Printable student reflection worksheet (one page)
✔️ Teacher guide with setup, tips, and timing
✔️ Notes sheet and intro slide deck
✔️ 2 primary-source-style letters (Savannah + Vicksburg)
✔️ City cards, trade cards, challenge cards, sabotage planning

PERFECT FOR:

8th Grade U.S. History
Civil War strategy & turning points
Engaging low readers & reluctant learners
Bell-to-bell active learning
Gen Alpha attention spans
Classes that thrive on creativity, movement, and immersion

Students will never forget the Anaconda Plan after this.
Let them be the Union. Let them feel the strategy. Let them understand the war — not just memorize it.

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