BATTLES OF THE CIVIL WAR
A WebQuest for 4th or 5th grade students by Billy Gage and Merritt Robison
Follow the links below to find out information about the battles that took place in each state!
Tennessee Georgia Mississippi
Teacher Information Links to Civil War Sites Sources
Of all the events in American military history, it is arguable that the Civil War had the biggest effect on the United States we know today. While this terrible war happened a little over 100 years ago, many people today know very little about what soldiers went through, and why the war even took place. This WebQuest will help show you a few of the more important battles in our region, and learn a few facts about each battle, as well.
1. Hold a group discussion with students about the Civil War to find out what they know, and briefly describe some of the political and social differences between the opposing sides.
2. Ask the students to form small groups and, using the internet, have them produce some general ideas about the war.
1. Write down three facts about these battles:
Shiloh, Vicksburg, Gettysburg
You can refer to www.civilwar.com for this information.
Take all the facts you have gathered and write a paragraph with your group describing what you think a typical Civil War battle would look like. Then provide an answer to these questions:
What was the first battle in the war? What was the last battle of the war? What is meant by the term "reconstruction?" How was reconstruction carried out after the war?
Reflection can be found by accessing this link Reflection
The purpose of this exercise is to help you learn why the Civil War is important to American history, and to help you learn a few facts about battles. If you would like to learn more about some of these battles or others, visit the sites which can be accessed by the links in this site.
Hoemann, G.H. (2004). The American Civil War homepage. Retrieved April 4, 2004, from http://sunsite.utk.edu/civil-war/
Carl, V. (2000). Civil War in Georgia. Retrieved April 4, 2004, from www.cviog.uga.edu
Civil War clipart. (2004). Retrieved April, 4, 2004, from http://civilwarclipart.com/
SSCS Social Studies Cirriculum Standards, standard 5.0, History, grades 4-5: Understands the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War. Understand the plans and policies for reconstruction and subsequent successes and failures. www.state.tn.us/education/ci/cistandards2001/ss/ciss45stand.htm
The Battle of Shiloh:
-Took place on April 6, 1862.
-Union commanded by Ulysses S. Grant, Confederates by Albert S Johnston.
-Remembered for the most cannons used in a single battle, and few soldiers had ever fought in combat before.
-One of the bloodiest battles in the war: 13,000 Union soldiers dead, 10,500 Confederate dead.
-Shiloh was a decisive win for the confederate control of the Mississippi Valley.
Picture of "The Hornets Nest" site at Shiloh National Park
Battle of Chattanooga:
-Took place on October 23, 1863.
-Generals involved were William Resecrans and Braxton Bragg.
-A win in Chattanooga was vital for it's railroad system.
-Fighting on Lookout Mountain was known as "The Battle above the Clouds."
-The Confederate army was victorious,
Picture of Union soldiers on Lookout Mountain
Battle of Champion Hill
-Took place on May 16, 1863.
-Bloodiest battle of war since Vicksburg.
-The Union was led by Gen. Grant and the Confederates
by Gen. Pemberton.
-There was 2,441 Union casualties and 3,840
-Champion Hill was a decisive struggle for the town of Vicksburg.
Battle of Jackson:
-The Union army was led by William Sherman and the Confederates by JohnMcClernand.
-This battle was significant in its role as the Eastern gateway to Vicksburg.
-Sherman won by burning machine shops, factories, and destroying railroads.
Picture of Manship House Fire bell- the only bell in the city of Jackson that wasn't melted for Ammunition
Battle of Atlanta:
-Took place on July 22, 1864.
-The Union was led by Gen. Sherman, the Confederate army by John Bell Hood.
-The battle took place promptly after the battle at Peachtree Creek.
-High ranking General Macpherson was shot and killed by his own soldier.
Find your Civil War ancestors: Get more War information from:
See the U.S. Civil War Center:
Purpose: The purpose of this WebQuest is to help students understand the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War and how they can access this information through web sites. Many Civil War battles were fought in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding states. The Civil War was a major turning point of our nation and students need to understand the significance of the events.
Preceding/ Ensuing Events: Prior to the WebQuest activity, the students will be introduced to a unit about the Civil War. The teacher will discuss facts about the war and the battles the students will encounter on their quest. The teacher will discuss the different views held by the North and the South regarding the causes and effects of the war. Following this activity, the students will continue studying about the war from various aspects including reconstruction.
Debriefing: This activity will help students gain knowledge about the Civil War. The students will begin to understand the causes and effects of this particular war on our nation. This activity will improve the student's research skills and enhance critical thinking skills. This activity allows students to actively participate in their learning, and by being actively involved in the learning process, they are more likely to retain the knowledge.
Improved/Expanded: This WebQuest activity could be expanded by having students to develop a timeline of the events. This could also be expanded by having students develop a plan of action to alter the outcome of a battle of their choice and describe ways in which the new outcome would have changed history. Another way to expand the activity would be to have the students choose a flag and write letters home from that sides perspective. To improve this activity you could also have students write about the battles in a journalistic perspective using information gathered and manipulated from the internet or other computer-based sources.