Map of the United States Showing the Military Divisions and Military Departments of
Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877)
The Civil War: Celebrate or Commemorate? Debate Definitions
Recommended Activity
Published By:
National Archives Foundation
Historical Era:
Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877)
Thinking Skill:
Historical Comprehension
Bloom’s Taxonomy:
Understanding
Grade Level:
High School
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Conduct this activity in small groups, or as a homework assignment. Appropriate for grades 9-12.
Instruct students to match the following terms and definitions:
- Commemorate – To acknowledge something of significance and great importance with respect and honor
- Celebrate – To acknowledge something of significance and great importance with festivities and recognizing achievements
- Government – A political system by which a group creates and implements laws and customs
- Ideology – Ideas and traits of a person, group, or political party
- Technology – The use of science and engineering in solving problems and making life more efficient
- Tactics – A planned m of arranging and moving forces in combat
- Soldier – A person serving in the military, also known as enlisted
- Civilian – A person who is not on active duty with the military
- African-Americans – An ethnic group of citizens or residents of the United States with ancestry from Africa
When they have finished matching, ask students to consider these terms as different aspects of Civil War:
- What are some ways that these terms are related to one another?
- Does thinking about them specifically in terms of the Civil War change the way we think about them generally?
To the extent possible under law, National Archives Foundation has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “The Civil War: Celebrate or Commemorate? Debate Definitions”
Description
In this activity students will match Civil War terms to their definitions to familiarize themselves with different aspects of the war and try to understand both sides.