Purpose and OrganizationThis website is intended to be used as a guide and learning tool by educators teaching United States History curriculum and civics education. It consists of information regarding Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, their views on slavery through primary sources during the 1850's, and 1860's, as well as their mutual impact on a social movement that transformed the future of the United States. Both Lincoln and Douglass were considered political advocates and intellectual leaders who promoted change during a difficult historical time period when opposing views on the issue of slavery were dividing the nation into a Civil War. It can be used as a foundation for introducing biographical sketches or as a more in-depth comparison and analysis about the political thoughts and positions of two great historical figures through the use of primary and secondary sources.
The first two sections "Abraham Lincoln" and "Frederick Douglass" contain biographical information and provide historical context which can be used as reference material while navigating through the site. Each section contains Essential Questions to guide students as they review primary and secondary sources in relationship to slavery and its abolishment. The additional sections "Similar Views" and "Opposing Views" are intended to help students explore primary and secondary sources regarding Lincoln and Douglass' positions on slavery through time and how they both helped shape the outcome of the Civil War. Finally, the last section "Teacher Resources" is a pedagogical tool for educators to create activities and introduce students to many of the research tools and links available regarding Lincoln and Douglass. This site can be used as a springboard for high school U.S. History students to learn how to create closed readings, apply inquiry-based learning, and promote curiosity in the understanding of slavery and politics in America during the 1850's and 1860's. See some of the useful links below.
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Examples of Close Readings
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"Gettysburg Address" - Abraham Lincoln
by Matthew Pinsker, Dickinson College, Pennsylvania "Remarks on Colonization" - Abraham Lincoln by Beatriz Martos, SJUSD
"Eulogy on Henry Clay" - Abraham Lincoln
by Beatriz Martos, SJUSD |