In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Dred Scott decision that African-Americans were not citizens of the United States. Yet within 18 years, Black Americans would not only have citizenship, but would be guaranteed the right to...

An article by noted historian, Kinley Brauer, discusses the role of foreign policy for both the North and the South in the Civil War. An interesting, and often forgotten, aspect of the war.

A wonderful resource using primary and secondary source materials to explore many facets of the Civil War from the war itself to its impact on the home front. Includes video and text downloads.

A comprehensive 36-page history of the Civil War in Texas. Includes numerous images, maps, primary documents, profiles of leading figures, a timeline, and information about battles. Specific topics are addressed, such as the cotton...

Provides an overview and basic introduction to the civil rights movement of African Americans.

This short comparative analysis activity involves comparing and contrasting two images of marches for freedom - a 1917 march of suffragists and the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom by Civil Rights leaders. Students will...

Read about the women who actually fought during the Civil War and what provoked them to do this. From the Civil War Society's "Encyclopedia of the Civil War."

Although geographically out of the main battle sites of the Civil War, Florida played an important role in the Confederacy. Find out how Florida helped in the Civil War and read about the battles that were fought there.

Both Mahatmas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. were influenced by Henry David Thoreau's essay, "Civil Disobedience." Have learners research and read, using the Internet, the first part of Thoreau's essay. Then have students write an...

This two-part feature on African American history offers an in-depth look at the events of the 1960's civil rights movement. Discusses voting rights, laws, military segregation, freedom rides, sit-ins and the NAACP. Includes historic...

Read about the Confederacy's attempt to manipulate the supply of cotton to England in an attempt to gain England's support of its war effort. Written by Kinley Brauer, noted historian.

In William Morey's 1901 textbook, this section considers the dispute between Marius and Sulla, resulting in a civil war.

Read about the persisitence of President Lyndon B. Johnson in finally enacting the momentous civil rights legislation, the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Find out about his adversaries and allies in getting this legislation passed.

In this lesson plan, students will consider "Homer's Civil War Veteran: Battlefield to Wheat Field." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.

Many African American veterans joined the Civil Rights Movement after World War II when they found themselves facing continued discrimination at home. Learn about some of the veterans who were prominent activists.

A learning module that begins with Henry David Thoreau's "Excerpt from 'Civil Disobedience'" accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online...

Learn about the civil rights legislation that outlawed discrimination in jobs, education, housing, public accommodations, and voting.

This personal site provides a wealth of ideas regarding the Civil War Era. Look for instructional activity ideas about the events leading up to the war, the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and the Reconstruction Era.

Throughout the years since the end of the Civil War, historians have been weighing in on the causes of that terrible time in the history of the United States. Interpretations have changed over the generations. Read the questions that...

Why were the railroads so important to both the Confederates and Union and how were they targets of raids? How were railroad executives involved in the course of the war? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this...

[Free Registration/Login Required] A letter from Jackie Robinson to President Eisenhower in response to a speech Eisenhower gave asking African Americans to be patient. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in...

Get a glimpse of what is housed in the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. The interactive tour highlights the struggle and introduces key historical figures such as Sojourner Truth, Nat Turner, Dred Scott, and Frederick...

The BBC presents links to numerous topics relating to the Civil War in Sierra Leone. (July 8, 1999)

A short discussion about the invention of the submarine and its use by both the Confederates and the Federals in the Civil War. This is a transcript of an accompanying radio broadcast.