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The American Civil War is such a crucial part of U.S. history, and I know teaching it can feel quite overwhelming! How do you make such a complex event engaging, accurate, and age-appropriate? In particular, helping students understand its causes can be challenging.
Whether you’re new to teaching the Civil War or just need a refresher, this breakdown of its causes will help you move beyond surface-level explanations. Thankfully, the Civil War and Reconstruction Unit does just that! It contains everything you need to teach an engaging, comprehensive unit about this critical piece of American history.
The American Civil War didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of years of tension between the North and South. At the center of the conflict? Enslavement. But there were also economic, political, and cultural differences that pushed the country to war.
1. Enslavement: The Central Issue of the Civil War
First of all, at its core, the North and South had very different views about enslavement, or slavery. The North was against it, while the South felt that their economy would not be able to survive without it. However, enslavement went beyond just an economic system—it was a system of oppression and suffering that shaped every aspect of Southern society. Students must understand this crucial concept to grasp the full understanding of the American Civil War.
It is also worth noting that the North and South had very different economies. The North was industrial, relying on factories and wage labor. The South, being agricultural, counted on enslaved labor to grow cotton.
2. Decision Making: States’ vs. Federal Power
Secondly, there was a constant debate over who should decide if enslavement was legal—the individual states or the federal government.
- The South believed each state should make its own decision.
- The North believed the federal government had a duty to stop the spread of enslavement.
Laws like the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act tried to settle this debate. But in the end, they often made things worse. These events are great discussion topics to help students understand how the federal government tried, yet failed to balance the two sides.
3. Economic and Cultural Differences
The North and South didn’t just work differently—they thought differently, too.
- The North was fast-moving, focusing on cities, factories, and innovation.
- The South was traditional, centered on plantations and a strict social hierarchy.
These differences led to misunderstanding and resentment.
4. The Fight Over Westward Expansion
Additionally, as the U.S. grew, a major question arose: Would new territories allow enslavement?
Despite efforts like the Missouri Compromise and the Dred Scott Decision, each new state became a battleground.
5. The Election of Abraham Lincoln
Finally, the election of Abraham Lincoln as president in 1860 would become the tipping point that led to the Civil War. While Lincoln didn’t call for the immediate end of enslavement, he did oppose it in new territories. Southern states felt threatened, believing this would eventually lead to its abolition. Soon after, the U.S. was officially at war with itself.
Teaching Tips for the Causes of the Civil War
Here are some ways to make this topic more engaging and accessible while helping students understand why it happened:
- Focus on critical thinking – Encourage students to analyze the causes rather than just memorize facts.
- Use primary sources—show students letters, speeches, photos, and political cartoons from the time period to bring history to life.
- Encourage discussion—facilitate small-group and whole-class conversations about the causes of the war. Let students explore different perspectives.
- Make it visual—use maps, timelines, and diagrams to help students see how different events are connected.
- Foster empathy—share personal stories from enslaved people, abolitionists, soldiers, and civilians to help students connect emotionally with history.
- Acknowledge complexity – The Civil War was shaped by social, economic, and political forces. Help students see the multiple layers involved.
Teach the Civil War and Reconstruction with Ease
As history buffs, the American Civil War is fascinating. Unfortunately, getting students to engage with something that happened over 150 years ago can be tough. If you’re not sure where to start with teaching the Civil War, I’ve got you covered! Luckily, my tried-and-tested Civil War and Reconstruction unit includes three weeks of engaging, ready-to-use materials designed for upper elementary, specifically 5th grade!
With detailed lesson plans, interactive activities, and digital resources, this unit makes teaching the Civil War stress-free and effective. Students will explore the causes and effects of the war, major battles, key figures, and Reconstruction efforts—all while building critical thinking skills!
What’s Included?
- 3-week pacing guide and overview
- Scope and sequence
- 10 detailed lesson plans with step-by-step instructions
- Guided notes (fill-in-the-blank & highlighted versions) to support student learning
- 9 hands-on practice activities to reinforce key concepts
- Non-editable slideshows (Google Slides & PowerPoint) for visual instruction
- 1 editable review game
- 10 Exit tickets
- Unit Project
- Unit Assessment
- Answer keys for all activities
If this sounds appealing to you, check out this unit, and all the other units I have available!
Don’t forget to check out my Youtube channel full of engaging content for both teachers and students!
kirsten hammond
Kirsten is a former 3rd and 5th grade teacher who loves helping upper elementary teachers by creating resources and sharing ideas that are engaging, research-based, and TEKS-aligned. She is a work-from-home mama of 3 rambunctious little ones and loves running, true crime, and lots of coffee.
