Instructions
Read the information and questions in each activity carefully. Use your knowledge of the American Civil War to complete the worksheet. Good luck!
Activity 1: Match the Terms
Draw a line to match each term on the left with its correct definition on the right.
|
|
Activity 2: Fill in the Blanks
Use the words from the word bank below to complete the paragraph. Each word is used only once.
The American Civil War began in 1861 after Confederate forces fired on . The primary cause of the war was the long-standing disagreement over the institution of . The United States, also called the Union, was led by President . The Union had advantages in population and , which meant they could produce more supplies for the war. The Southern states formed the and fought to preserve their way of life. The war ended in 1865 when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Court House in Virginia.
Activity 3: Who Am I?
Read the descriptions below and write the name of the correct historical figure on the line.
- I was the 16th President of the United States and led the country through the Civil War. I wrote the Gettysburg Address.
Who am I? - I was the lead general of the Confederate Army. I was known for my skilled military tactics.
Who am I? - I was the President of the Confederate States of America.
Who am I? - I eventually became the commanding general of the entire Union Army and accepted the surrender that ended the war.
Who am I?
Activity 4: North vs. South
The Union (North) and Confederacy (South) had different strengths and weaknesses. Place a 'U' for Union or a 'C' for Confederacy next to each characteristic.
- Had a larger population.
- Fought mostly on home territory, giving them a defensive advantage.
- Had most of the nation's factories and railroads.
- Had more experienced military leaders at the start of the war.
- Had an established government and navy.
Answer Key
Activity 1: Match the Terms
- Union - D. The name for the Northern states that remained in the United States.
- Confederacy - B. The name for the Southern states that left the United States.
- Emancipation Proclamation - E. An order issued by President Lincoln that freed enslaved people in the rebelling states.
- Abolitionist - A. A person who worked to end slavery.
- Secede - C. To formally leave or withdraw from a country.
Activity 2: Fill in the Blanks
The American Civil War began in 1861 after Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter. The primary cause of the war was the long-standing disagreement over the institution of slavery. The United States, also called the Union, was led by President Abraham Lincoln. The Union had advantages in population and industry, which meant they could produce more supplies for the war. The Southern states formed the Confederacy and fought to preserve their way of life. The war ended in 1865 when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House in Virginia.
Activity 3: Who Am I?
- Abraham Lincoln
- Robert E. Lee
- Jefferson Davis
- Ulysses S. Grant
Activity 4: North vs. South
- U Had a larger population.
- C Fought mostly on home territory, giving them a defensive advantage.
- U Had most of the nation's factories and railroads.
- C Had more experienced military leaders at the start of the war.
- U Had an established government and navy.