The online tool for teaching with documents, from the National Archives

Civil War Debate Definitions

Seeing the Big Picture

All documents and text associated with this activity are printed below, followed by a worksheet for student responses.

Introduction

Like many things in history, the American Civil War, the reasons behind it, and the events themselves were very complicated. Many people were involved, each with their own perspective. To try to understand both sides of conflict, start thinking about some of the different aspects and perspectives involved.

In this activity, match the term to its definition and start putting together the pieces for yourself.


Name:
Class:

Worksheet

Civil War Debate Definitions

Seeing the Big Picture

Examine the documents and text included in this activity. Consider how each document or piece of text relates to each other and create matched pairs. Write the text or document number next to its match below. Write your conclusion response in the space provided.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9



1

Activity Element



A person serving in the military, also known as enlisted


2

Activity Element



A planned method of arranging and moving forces in combat


3

Activity Element



A political system by which a group creates and implements laws and customs


4

Activity Element



Ideas and traits of a person, group, or political party


5

Activity Element



To acknowledge something of significance and great importance with festivities and recognizing achievements


6

Activity Element



Soldier


7

Activity Element



Civilian


8

Activity Element



Commemorate


9

Activity Element



The use of science and engineering in solving problems and making life more efficient


10

Activity Element



Government


11

Activity Element



An ethnic group of citizens or residents of the United States with ancestry from Africa


12

Activity Element



Technology


13

Activity Element



African Americans


14

Activity Element



Ideology


15

Activity Element



Celebrate


16

Activity Element



A person who is not on active duty with the military


17

Activity Element



To acknowledge something of significance and great importance with respect and honor


18

Activity Element



Tactics


Culminating Document

Map of the United States Showing the Military Divisions and Military Departments of

1865

This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Senate.
National Archives Identifier: 305454
Full Citation: Map of the United States Showing the Military Divisions and Military Departments of; 1865; Records of the U.S. Senate, . [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/map-of-the-united-states-showing-the-military-divisions-and-military-departments-of, May 5, 2024]


Map of the United States Showing the Military Divisions and Military Departments of

Page 2



Conclusion

Civil War Debate Definitions

Seeing the Big Picture

Now that you've completed the activity, how do you think your view of the events of the American Civil War would change when examined through the different aspects and perspectives you just matched?

Your Response