Civil War

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Welcome to the Learn About America Civil War section and exhibit. Here, you will find thousands of articles, interactives, printables, scavenger hunts, and games related to the War. Click a section from the menu on the left to explore.

The Battle of the Wilderness

Battle of the Wilderness

The United States Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal conflict between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states that seceded to form the Confederacy and elected Jefferson Davis as their president. Rooted in deep divisions over slavery, states’ rights, and economic differences, the war began after Southern forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. It became the deadliest war in American history, resulting in over 600,000 deaths. Key events included the Emancipation Proclamation, which redefined the war as a fight against slavery, and major battles like Gettysburg and Antietam. On April 9th, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, effectively ending the War. The Union’s victory preserved the United States as a single nation and led to the abolition of slavery, but the war also left lasting scars and unresolved issues that shaped the nation's future. Five days after Lee's surrender, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C.

Civil War Essentials:

What

The American Civil War was a major conflict between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). The main issue was whether slavery should continue and expand into new territories.

Why

The war happened because of deep disagreements over slavery, states’ rights, and the future direction of the country. Southern states wanted to keep slavery and believed they had the right to leave the United States, while the North wanted to stop slavery from spreading and keep the country together.

When

The Civil War began in 1861 and lasted until 1865.

Where

Most of the fighting took place in the southern United States, including states like Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia. Key battles also happened near the Mississippi River and along the eastern seaboard.

Our Civil War Content

	Civil War Interactive Maps This section contains numerous click and learn Civil War interactive maps including Civil War Battles, Union vs Confederate states, and several more.

	Civil War Causes The Civil War was primarily caused by deep divisions over slavery, particularly its expansion into new U.S. territories. Conflicts over states' rights, economic differences between the North and South, and the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 further intensified tensions, ultimately leading to secession and war.

	Civil War Effects The Civil War resulted in the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the United States as a unified nation. It also led to widespread destruction in the South, significant loss of life, and major social, political, and economic changes during the Reconstruction era.

	Civil War Battles The battles of the Civil War were fought across the United States, with major conflicts like Gettysburg, Antietam, and Bull Run shaping the course of the war. These battles were often brutal and deadly, reflecting the deep divisions within the country over slavery and states' rights.

	Civil War People Important people of the Civil War included Abraham Lincoln, who led the Union and worked to end slavery, and Jefferson Davis, who served as president of the Confederacy. Key military leaders such as Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee also played major roles in shaping the outcome of the war.

	Civil War Literacy and Comprehension Activities This section include over 100 online and printable Civil War-themed reading comprehension activities for all grade levels 3-9.

	Primary Sources Super Comprehension Activities These primary source comprehension activities guide students through close reading of authentic historical texts. By working across three skill-focused tabs—Main Idea & Details, Inference, and Contextual Vocabulary—students develop a deeper understanding of the passages and strengthen essential literacy skills. The interactive tools and structured layout help readers analyze, annotate, and interpret the text with clarity and confidence.

	Flip the Narrative Debate Comprehension Activities These Flipping the Narrative activities help students explore history by comparing two contrasting perspectives on the same event. Students read both passages, annotate key ideas, and examine how each side uses evidence to support its arguments. By toggling between viewpoints and answering deeper-level questions, learners build critical thinking skills and a richer understanding of historical complexity.

	Adventures in the Lives and Times of Civil War Figures - Interactive Comprehension Stories In these interactive stories, students travel through key moments and settings in the subject's life, guided by his or her words and experiences. At each historic location, they explore illustrated scenes, read narrated passages, and answer thoughtful comprehension questions to track their progress. When all sites are visited, students receive a printable score report showing their journey through America’s founding story.

	Civil War Writing Activities Explore the ideas, struggles, and turning points of the Civil War through engaging and thought-provoking writing activities. Our prompts invite students to step into the shoes of historical figures, reflect on key events, and connect the past to the present in creative and meaningful ways.

	Civil War Fun Printables These engaging printables aim to allow students to relate to, role play, or use art, humor, or critical thinking to express themselves relative to situations, events, or people in the Civil War era.

	Civil War Fun Stuff and Games Step into the exciting world of the Civil War with interactive online games that bring history to life.

	Civil War Activity Bundles and Presentations This section is full of Civil-War themed power point presentation and printable activity bundles.