When the Civil War broke out in 1861, many of Massachusetts1 African Americans residents wanted to join in the fight to free their enslaved brethren, but the United States Army policy prohibited African Americans from enlisting. A prominent white officer, Robert Gould Shaw, volunteered to lead the first African American regiment after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation letting African Americans enlist.
Original documents, time lines and letters present facts about the Civil War, the Battle at Fort Wagner and the Massacre at Fort Pillow. Children will also explore the history of slavery, the importance of the Emancipation Proclamation and the lives of Frederick Douglass and Robert Gould Shaw.
As the fascinating story of the Civil War unfolds, students will discover for themselves the excitement of history, the mystery of finding clues to the past and the awe of seeing legends in the making.
A host of fun and challenging activitiesÐfrom writing to fill-insÐreinforces key terms, provides context and explores contemporary relevance. Multiple intelligence activities, internet research ideas, a glossary and an answer key complete this valuable resource.
