PRIMARY SOURCE ARCHIVES
Below are some links to primary source archives that will be utilized throughout the unit.
CivilWar.org - Provides teaching resources such as primary sources and lesson plans on how those sources can be best interpreted by students. The aim of The Civil War Trust is preservation of the battlefields of The Civil War as well as maintaining the history of the war by informing the public. The Civil War Trust also aims at preservation of battlefields of The American Revolution. Link goes directly to primary sources concerning The American Civil War.
Library of Congress - The nations first establish cultural institution as well as being the largest library in the nation. The Library of Congress offers a wealth of primary sources about the history of the United States. Sources range from letters to pictures. The link provided gives source information outside of the LOC website as well.
National Archives - The National Archives provides Civil War records, pictures, and lesson plans that will help illuminate the subject matter for students. National Archives provides military records and information about the war. There is a wealth of primary sources available for students to
National Parks Services - Provides stories and maps about the Civil War. Students will be reading letters from civilians and soldiers, interpreting maps while building empathy concerning the lives of Americans during The Civil War. The National Park Services offers different perspectives of the Civil War and provides primary sources that reflect the role of African-Americans, women, and civilians during The Civil War
Virginia Military Institute - Provides letters from the soldiers of The Civil War, maps of battlefields and other military resources.
Library of Congress - The nations first establish cultural institution as well as being the largest library in the nation. The Library of Congress offers a wealth of primary sources about the history of the United States. Sources range from letters to pictures. The link provided gives source information outside of the LOC website as well.
National Archives - The National Archives provides Civil War records, pictures, and lesson plans that will help illuminate the subject matter for students. National Archives provides military records and information about the war. There is a wealth of primary sources available for students to
National Parks Services - Provides stories and maps about the Civil War. Students will be reading letters from civilians and soldiers, interpreting maps while building empathy concerning the lives of Americans during The Civil War. The National Park Services offers different perspectives of the Civil War and provides primary sources that reflect the role of African-Americans, women, and civilians during The Civil War
Virginia Military Institute - Provides letters from the soldiers of The Civil War, maps of battlefields and other military resources.
Analysis Tools
Photo Analysis - Pictures are worth a thousand words, or more. What is and isn't said in a picture can reveal much about the a time period. Students will be presented images of The Civil War and have to analyze what is being presented. Pictures are an excellent way for students to understand the impact of The Civil War. It was one of the first wars that was able to be captured on film. Students will engage in activities where they will be shown images and discuss what is being shown. Below is the worksheet associated with the analysis. Student will examine a photo, and list and describe in the information they see.
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Written Analysis Worksheet - Students will be handed written primary sources ranging from newspapers to letters. It is their job to investigate these sources. Students will be answering the questions of: Who, What, When, Where, and Why? This aspect is crucial in helping students develop critical-thinking skills when analyzing text. Students will analyze the sources for biases and discuss their thoughts about the information with the class. This can be an exciting experience for the students as it gives them the chance to take charge of their learning. Questions about the nature of primary sources and their historical accuracy helps students focus the intention of those sources and how reliable they are when interpreting history. Below is worksheet that will guide students in their analysis.
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Sample Lesson Plans That Utilize Primary Source Documents.
The following sample lesson plans are plans that utilize primary sources. One lessons is about the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln and his influence on the emancipation of slaves in the Union. The other is about the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during World War II. Both lessons utilize primary source narratives from people who experienced the events first-hand. The lessons try to bring a balanced perspective by incorporating sources from both sides of the story. Was Abraham Lincoln solely responsible or where there other factors that contributed to the freeing of slaves during The Civil War? Was it necessary for the United States to drop an atomic bomb on Japan near the end of World War II? Students will have to investigate information and try to answer these big historical questions/issues that are debated to this day.