The Crime Against Kansas Primary Source Analysis

Students will read excerpts from Charles Sumner's 1856 "Crime Against Kansas" speech (after the Kansas-Nebraska Act and subsequent Bleeding Kansas) and respond to 25 comprehension questions and creative tasks. They will then analyze one map and 3 images. The answers are included where appropriate and this would be great for a sub!  

Sample questions include:
--Explain why the geographical location of Kansas mattered enough for Sumner to include it in his speech.
--How does Sumner impart the seriousness of what happened in Kansas? Support your answer with information from the historical context.
--What sort of impact does the phrase “cloven down” have on Sumner’s message? 
--What does he tell Pierce his responsibility is at this point?
--Create a historically responsible image to represent the meaning of the phrase, “avenging pen of history.”
--Why does Sumner reference Senator Butler, and how does he factor into this speech?
--Explain the comparison Sumner makes between South Carolina and Kansas.
--Summarize the role of the ballot box that Sumner repeatedly refers to, and what is the responsibility he sees American citizens as having in the coming year.
--Why do you think this speech was titled, “Crime Against Kansas?” Given the opportunity, what would you title this speech and why?

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