The American Journey © 2007

Chapter 16: The Civil War

Web Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter students have studied the American Civil War. The conflict affected the lives of every American. From the first shots at Fort Sumter to the signing of the ceasefire agreement in the sitting room of the McLean House at Appomattox Court House, most of the fighting took place in the South. During the first years of the war, Confederate soldiers led by Robert E. Lee and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson won important battles. One of these was the Second Battle of Bull Run, or Second Manassas.

Lesson Description
Students will visit the Manassas National Battlefield Park Web site maintained by the National Park Service. They will read a summary of the battle and answer questions. Finally they will pretend to be a soldier at the battle of Second Bull Run and write a letter home that describes their feelings about the battle and the war.

1. The learner will be able to identify the military commanders of the Second Battle of Bull Run.
2. The learner will be able to describe how and by whom the battle was won.
3. The learner will be able to describe their feelings about the battle and the war in the form of a letter.

1. General John Pope was the commander of the Army of Virginia.
2. General Robert E. Lee, Major General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, and General James Longstreet were in charge of the Confederate forces.
3. Pope erroneously believed that the Confederate forces were retreating, so he ordered his troops to pursue them.
4. The victory opened the way for a Southern invasion of the North, and the South also hoped that the victory would lead foreign nations to intervene on their side.
5. Students' letters will vary.