Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "U.S. Civil War Colored Troops Medal"

America's New Birth of Freedom: Documents from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:02:05 GMT

Through the use of downloadable images of the original documents and 4 brief videos using Lincoln's words to answer questions about the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, students will learn how Abraham Lincoln struggled with the same questions that many Americans had about the causes and costs of the bloodiest struggle in American history. This online exhibition features a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and 10 letters expressing Lincoln's views on emancipation and the conclusion of the Civil War.

Slave Life and the Underground Railroad Homepage

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:32:44 GMT

Students will learn about slavery, slave life and the Underground Railroad in this OurStory module. OurStory is a series of modules designed by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

The Brass Letters of Citizenship: Lincoln, African Americans and Military Service

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:59:48 GMT

Delve into the issue of military segregation with this archived panel discussion. In this video recording, experts discuss the African American military experience in the Civil War and the mid-19^th century. Then, take the issue into the modern day by comparing arguments surrounding the racial makeup of the United States military in the Civil War with the modern arguments around the "don't ask, don't tell policy." Compare how the military's integration of individuals with various backgrounds impacts American life.

This lecture is one in a series about issues that Abraham Lincoln faced as president that continue to confront the nation today.

The Civil War

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:22:31 GMT

From 1861-1865, Americans battled over preserving their Union and ending slavery. The Civil War is the focus of this section of The Price of Freedom: Americans at War, an online exhibition. This pivotal and complicated period of American history is divided into sections that allow students to focus either on a specific aspect of the war, or the conflict as a whole. The sections included are: John Brown, Fort Sumter, the Battle of Bull Run, major turning points, the war at sea, Wilderness to Appomattox, political leaders, military leaders, soldiers in blue and gray; battles and casualties and Reconstruction and the legacies of the war. A non-flash version of this site is available: The Civil War.

The Price of Freedom: Americans at War Homepage

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:06:40 GMT

Americans have gone to war to win their independence, expand their national boundaries, define their freedoms, and defend their interests around the globe. This online exhibition examines how wars have shaped the nations' history and transformed American society. Students will learn about American military history through the use of an interactive timeline, brief movies, and objects from the museum's vast collections. Also included are a collection search, an interactive game, and learning resources.