Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this elementary history lesson, explore how growing disagreements between the North and South led to one of the most important events in American history—the Civil War. Discover how differences in farming, slavery, and beliefs about states' rights caused rising tension across the country. Learn about key moments like the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Dred Scott decision, and how they deepened divisions. Meet important figures like Abraham Lincoln and John Brown, and see how the election of 1860 pushed the nation to the breaking point. From sectionalism to secession, this powerful story shows how conflict and courage helped shape the United States we know today.
Elementary lessons from the Bill of Rights Institute are primary source-based that focus on content-area literacy instruction and performance-based assessments. Designed for grades 3-5, these lessons use a modular approach for all learners and are ideal for helping elementary students explore American history and citizenship.
To view more lesson plans and resources, visit us here: billofrightsinstitute.org/lessons/causes-of-the-civil-war
Need more resources on the election of 1860? Check out BRI's Newspaper Primary Sources : billofrightsinstitute.org/activities/election-of-1860-newspaper-primary-sources
Use BRI's reading on Sectionalism in your classroom: billofrightsinstitute.org/activities/sectionalism-reading
00:00 –00:20 A Nation in Conflict
00:21 – 00:46 Life in the North and South
00:47 – 01:05 Slavery and Abolition
01:06 – 01:36 Sectionalism Grows
01:37 – 02:42 Major Events Before the War
02:43 – 03:13 John Brown’s Raid
03:14 – 04:17 The Election of 1860
04:18 – 04:51 Southern Secession
04:52 – 05:00 The Civil War Begins
05:01 – 05:30 Why This History Matters
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About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.
Official Site: billofrightsinstitute.org
Facebook: / billofrightsinstitute
Twitter: / brinstitute
Instagram: / brinstitute
BRI Educator Newsletter Sign Up Page: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/new...
In this elementary history lesson, explore how growing disagreements between the North and South led to one of the most important events in American history—the Civil War. Discover how differences in farming, slavery, and beliefs about states' rights caused rising tension across the country. Learn about key moments like the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Dred Scott decision, and how they deepened divisions. Meet important figures like Abraham Lincoln and John Brown, and see how the election of 1860 pushed the nation to the breaking point. From sectionalism to secession, this powerful story shows how conflict and courage helped shape the United States we know today.
Elementary lessons from the Bill of Rights Institute are primary source-based that focus on content-area literacy instruction and performance-based assessments. Designed for grades 3-5, these lessons use a modular approach for all learners and are ideal for helping elementary students explore American history and citizenship.
To view more lesson plans and resources, visit us here: billofrightsinstitute.org/lessons/causes-of-the-civil-war
Need more resources on the election of 1860? Check out BRI's Newspaper Primary Sources : billofrightsinstitute.org/activities/election-of-1860-newspaper-primary-sources
Use BRI's reading on Sectionalism in your classroom: billofrightsinstitute.org/activities/sectionalism-reading
00:00 –00:20 A Nation in Conflict
00:21 – 00:46 Life in the North and South
00:47 – 01:05 Slavery and Abolition
01:06 – 01:36 Sectionalism Grows
01:37 – 02:42 Major Events Before the War
02:43 – 03:13 John Brown’s Raid
03:14 – 04:17 The Election of 1860
04:18 – 04:51 Southern Secession
04:52 – 05:00 The Civil War Begins
05:01 – 05:30 Why This History Matters
-----
About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.
Official Site: billofrightsinstitute.org
Facebook: / billofrightsinstitute
Twitter: / brinstitute
Instagram: / brinstitute
BRI Educator Newsletter Sign Up Page: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/new...
