5 Civil War Primary Sources for 5th Grade and Middle School

Civil War Primary Sources for 5th Grade and Middle School

Do you want to add Civil War primary sources to your instruction? Finding student-friendly primary sources can be painfully time-consuming. My number one goal is to save teachers time. For this reason, I’ve created lists of kid-friendly primary sources.

But why use primary sources in the first place?

Well, primary sources bring history to life for students. Here are two simple but effective ways to use primary sources in the classroom:

• Begin class each day by analyzing a primary source. Students journal about what they observe using these free worksheets. Discuss.

• Spread several primary sources around the room. Students walk around observing them and answering questions. To see an example of a lesson like this, check out my free Civil War Battles lesson.

Get started with these five Civil War primary sources for 5th grade and middle school:

1. Map showing the distribution of slaves in the Southern States

Description of Primary Source:

Our first Civil War primary source for 5th grade and middle school is this map, which shows the distribution of slaves in the Southern States and was created in the 1860s by A. von Steinwehr.

Class Discussion Questions:

• What is the map’s title?

• The map uses different shades of gray, what do they mean?

• What places are on the map?

• Why do you think the map was made?

Resources for this Primary Source:

• Download the map

• Access the online version of the map (so you can zoom in)

• Student worksheet for analyzing a map (National Archives)

2. “Why don’t you take it?” Political Cartoon

Description of Primary Source:

In this Civil War era political cartoon, the bigger growling dog represents the Union. During the Civil War, the Union had deeper pockets and more resources. Therefore, the “Union dog” is sitting in front of money, corn, flour, beef, and a cannon. In between the dogs is a “prize beef” labeled Washington (the capital city).  The smaller dog walking away with his tail between his legs? His collar says “Jefferson Davis” and he represents the Confederacy.

This cartoon was created in 1861 in Ohio by Frank Beard.

Class Discussion Questions:

• What do you see?

• Notice the caption. What does it tell you?

• What are the dogs doing in the cartoon?

• There are a number of objects in the cartoon, what are they used for?

• After analyzing the cartoon, what do you think the dogs symbolize?

• What is the main idea of the cartoon?

Resources for this Primary Source:

• Download the cartoon

• Student worksheet for analyzing a cartoon (National Archives)

3. Gettysburg Address

Description of Primary Source:

This is one of the most famous Civil War primary sources. The Gettysburg Address is Abraham Lincoln’s most famous speech. It was delivered on November 19, 1863 on the battlefield near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This short but legendary speech connected the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers with hope for a more united and free nation.

Class Discussion Questions:

• Who wrote this speech? What is the date?

• Select one word that Lincoln repeats over and over. Why do you think he did that?

• What is the main idea of the speech?

• Why do you think this speech was given?

Resources for this Primary Source:

• Download the document

• Worksheet for analyzing a document (National Archives)
• Download a complete Gettysburg Address lesson plan (Part of my Civil War Unit)
  • Students read an article about the Battle of Gettysburg and annotate the Gettysburg Address using colored pencils. Included is a detailed lesson plan, vocabulary list, reflection sheet, and answer key.

4.  Illustration of the Attack of the Massachusetts 54th (African American Infantry Regiment) at Fort Wagner

Description of Primary Source:

The subject of this illustration is the 54th Massachusetts African American Infantry Regiment. The 54th is remembered for their brave charge at Fort Wagner. Although the regiment suffered great casualties, their courage and sacrifice were celebrated by the Union. The Academy Award winning film Glory tells the story of the 54th.  Read more about this famous volunteer infantry regiment here.

Class Discussion Questions:

• What type of artwork is this?

• What do you see and what are the people doing?

• Who do you think created the artwork?

• Why do you think it was created?

Resources for this Primary Source:

• Download the illustration

• Student worksheet for analyzing artwork (National Archives)

5. Photograph of Private William Sergent (Union soldier) after the amputation of both arms

Description of Primary Source:

This last photo is a powerful Civil War primary source. Amputations were the most commonly performed surgery during the Civil War. In fact, historians estimate that over 60,000 amputations were performed during the war! This photograph is an example of a Union soldier who had both arms amputated. Learn more about amputations from this 4-minute video from the American Battlefield Trust (warning: it is gory!).

Class Discussion Questions:

• What do you see?

• Describe the man. Who do you think he is?

• Why do you think this photo was taken?

• How does this photo compare to modern times?

Resources for this Primary Source:

• Download the photograph

• Student worksheet for analyzing a photograph (National Archives)

Want a FREE Civil War Battles Lesson?

I created a lesson where students learn about 8 important Civil War battles by analyzing clues around the room. The “clues” are actually primary and secondary sources like an 1861 newspaper article, a map, a letter from Ulysses S. Grant, and more!

Enter your email below to grab your free Civil War battles lesson!

More Civil War Resources

Now that you have the tools you need, make a plan to use Civil War primary sources in your classroom. If you would like to get primary sources in the hands of your students today, download my free Civil War Battles lesson plan.

Also, check out my bestselling 3-week unit on the Civil War. Save yourself precious planning time and shop now.

Related Posts:

• Free Civil War Timeline and Lesson Plan
• 7 Civil War Videos for Kids
• Civil War Unit
• More US History Primary Sources