a Web Unit of
The U.S. Civil War

Overview and Introduction      The Civil War changed the United States more than any other event in our nation's history. The only war fought on American soil by Americans, the Civil War lasted four long and bloody years. From 1861 - 1865, families were torn apart, cities were destroyed, and at least 600,000 lives were lost. When it was over America emerged as one nation, but any dreams of glory that the North or the South once had were shattered by the reality of war.      Your challenge as you work on this unit is to try to find answers to questions that are still asked about the U.S. Civil War. Why did Americans kill each other? How did it happen? What was it like to be in that war? How did the war change America and Americans? Where to Start The buttons at the top will guide you through the unit. You should complete the focus activities first, the inquiry activities second, and the application activities third. Use the unit checklist that is on the assessment page after you complete each activity. The resources page can be used throughout the entire unit. The Teacher Information Page provides a table with PASS objectives for this unit, the approximate time required for the project, the recommended grade level, and the preparation needed. Civil War Photographs provided by American Memory, The Library of Congress