Teaching the Causes of the American Civil War, 1850-1861

"The American Civil War lasted from 1861-1865, killing nearly 700,000 Americans costing the country untold millions of dollars. The events of this tragic war are so steeped in the collective memory of this country and so taken for granted that it is sometimes difficult to take a step back and consider why such a tragic war occurred. To consider the series of events that led to this war are difficult and painful for students and teachers in American history classrooms. Classroom teachers must possess the appropriate pedagogical and historical resources to provide their students with an appropriate and meaningful examination of this challenging time period. This volume will attempt to provide these resources and teaching strategies to allow for the thoughtful inquiry, evaluation and assessment of this critical, complex and painful time period in American history"--