Ch 9: Buildup to the American Civil War - Middle School US History: Homeschool Curriculum

Who's it for?

This unit of our Middle School U.S. History Homeschool course will benefit any student who is trying to learn about the events that preceded the American Civil War. There is no faster or easier way to learn about the buildup to the American Civil War. Among those who would benefit are:

• Students who require an efficient, self-paced course of study to learn about the causes of the Civil War, and the manifestation of those causes through cultural, judicial, political, and other spheres.
• Homeschool parents looking to spend less time preparing lessons and more time teaching.
• Homeschool parents who need a history curriculum that appeals to multiple learning types (visual or auditory).
• Gifted students and students with learning differences.

How it works:

• Students watch a short, fun video lesson that covers a specific unit topic.
• Students and parents can refer to the video transcripts to reinforce learning.
• Short quizzes and a unit exam on the buildup to the American Civil War confirm understanding or identify any topics that require review.

Buildup to the American Civil War Unit Objectives:

• Understand the significance of Uncle Tom's Cabin and the tension over slavery in the 1850s.
• Summarize the events that came to be called Bloody Kansas; include causes and effects.
• Discuss President Buchanan's response to the Dred Scott v. Sanford decision handed down by the Supreme Court.
• Describe John Brown's raid at Harpers Ferry.
• Outline the key arguments made during the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858.
• Review the circumstances of President Lincoln's election and the secession of the Southern states.
• Describe the Battle of Fort Sumter and the start of the Civil War.