The American Journey Modern Times © 2009

Chapter 2: The Civil War

Web Activity Lesson Plans

"African Americans in the War"

Introduction
In this chapter students learned about the struggles of the North and South during the Civil War. They also learned about the contributions that African Americans made to the war effort. This Web activity is designed to expand their knowledge about those contributions and the success of African American soldiers.

Lesson Description
Students will learn about African Americans who fought in the Civil War. After reading the article and answering questions associated with the article, students will use the knowledge they gained and explain the important contributions African Americans made in the Civil War.

Instructional Objectives

  1. The student will be able to identify key information about African Americans involvement in the Civil War.
  2. The student will be able to explain the successes that African Americans had as soldiers in the Civil War.
  3. The student will be able to use the information they learn to understand the contributions made by African American regiments during the Civil War.

Student Web Activity Answers

  1. About 179,000 African Americans served as soldiers in the Union Army.
  2. Congress granted equal pay to African American soldiers. They also made the equal pay retroactive and guaranteed equal rations, supplies, and medical care.
  3. They were treated more harshly than white prisoners.
  4. 16 soldiers were granted the Medal of Honor.
  5. At Fort Wagner, the 54th Massachusetts lost two-thirds of their officers.
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