Eighth Grade Civil War and Reconstruction Unit

Lesson 2

Title: Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Grade Level: 8th Grade

Unit of Study: Civil War and Reconstruction

GLCE: U5.1.4 Describe how the following increased sectional tensions the Missouri Compromise (1820), the Wilmot Proviso (1846), the Compromise of 1850 including the Fugitive Slave Act, the Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) and subsequent conflict in Kansas, the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision (1857), changes in the party system (e.g., the death of the Whig party, rise of the Republican party and division of the Democratic party) U5.1.3 Describe the competing views of Calhoun, Webster, and Clay on the nature of the union among the states (e.g., sectionalism, nationalism, federalism, state rights). U5.1.6 Describe how major issues debated at the Constitutional Convention such as disagreements over the distribution of political power, rights of individuals (liberty and property), rights of states, election of the executive, and slavery help explain the Civil War

Abstract: Compromise creates short and long term problems

Key Concepts: How did attempts to end slavery influence life before (and after) the war? Why did sectional differences create tension that led to war?

Sequence of Activities: 1. Brainstorm the concept of compromise—define the term. Can everything be resolved by a compromise or does there have to be a winner and a loser? 2. Discuss the question, “Was it important for the United States to remain united as one nation?” by using a T chart or Venn Diagram of benefits of united vs. benefits of separating. 3. Introduce pros and cons of Missouri Compromise (1820). 4. Discuss the role of sectional leaders (Clay, Calhoun, Webster). 5. Revisit constitutional policy and discuss concept of states’ rights. 6. Introduce pros and cons Compromise of 1850. 7. Revisit the question “Can everything be resolved by compromise?” Was America better off in 1850 because of compromises?

Connections:

English Language Arts

Mathematics

Instructional Resources:

Calhoun ISD Social Studies Curriculum Design Project Eighth Grade Civil War and Reconstruction Unit

Equipment/Manipulative T chart/Venn Diagram

Student Resources

Teacher Resources Copies of Compromise of 1820 (Missouri) and Compromise of 1850

Calhoun ISD Social Studies Curriculum Design Project