Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Civil War Field Printing"

Comparing Confederate and Union Soldiers in the Civil War

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:47:27 GMT

Use primary sources as the inspiration for comparing and contrasting the soldiers on either side of the Civil War. After examining uniforms and viewing two short video clips, students will develop questions and perform short research projects to uncover the motivations behind the Civil War and the conditions for the soldiers who fought. This lesson plan (which includes background information and full-color primary sources) was produced to accompany the exhibition The Price of Freedom: Americans at War, by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

First Person Account: William Christie

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:46:21 GMT

Willian G. Christie, a Union Soldier from Minnesota, relates his disgust over prejudice against black soldiers in his unit.

This video is part of the Price of Freedom learning resources package for use with the Comparing Confederate and Union Soldiers lesson plan. It was produced to accompany the exhibition The Price of Freedom: Americans at War, by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Full Steam to Freedom

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:14:43 GMT

Robert Smalls was born a slave in South Carolina, but made a daring escape to freedom on the ship CSS Planter and joined the Union in fighting to end slavery in America. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring one aspect of the Civil War. Focused on actively reading Seven Miles to Freedom, an illustrated biography of Robert Smalls, this module also includes links to a related outdoor game, classroom-based newspaper investigation and online exploration.