Activity Overview
In this activity, students will use a timeline storyboard to portray the major events that precede the Civil War. By examining John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, the election of 1860, the eventual secession of South Carolina, and the bombing of Fort Sumter, students will understand and analyze the events that lead to the outbreak of the Civil War. Other events that can be used include: the Dred Scott decision, the several acts and legislation previously mentioned, or the Election of 1856. This will allow students to understand, in a more literal sense, how and why the Civil War finally came about.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing the important events leading to the Civil War.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add cells to your timeline as needed.
- List out each of the events in sequential order.
- In the description boxes, describe the events.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save the storyboard and submit it to the assignment.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will use a timeline storyboard to portray the major events that precede the Civil War. By examining John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, the election of 1860, the eventual secession of South Carolina, and the bombing of Fort Sumter, students will understand and analyze the events that lead to the outbreak of the Civil War. Other events that can be used include: the Dred Scott decision, the several acts and legislation previously mentioned, or the Election of 1856. This will allow students to understand, in a more literal sense, how and why the Civil War finally came about.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing the important events leading to the Civil War.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add cells to your timeline as needed.
- List out each of the events in sequential order.
- In the description boxes, describe the events.
- Create an image in each cell that depicts the events, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save the storyboard and submit it to the assignment.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about The Eve of Civil War Timeline
Plan a Civil War Timeline Gallery Walk for Deeper Engagement
Organize your classroom for a gallery walk by displaying each student’s Civil War timeline around the room. This interactive setup encourages students to move, observe, and discuss their peers’ work, making history come alive.
Assign peer review roles to promote active observation
Give each student or group a specific focus—such as noting historical accuracy or creative presentation—while reviewing timelines. This ensures students pay close attention to details and provide thoughtful feedback.
Model constructive feedback before starting
Demonstrate how to give kind, specific feedback using one sample timeline. This helps students understand expectations and builds a positive classroom culture.
Facilitate a whole-class reflection after the walk
Lead a short discussion where students share new insights or surprising facts learned from others' timelines. This reinforces key events and deepens understanding of the Civil War’s causes.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Eve of Civil War Timeline
What are the key events that led to the Civil War?
Key events leading to the Civil War include the Dred Scott decision, John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, the Election of 1860, South Carolina’s secession, and the bombing of Fort Sumter. These events intensified tensions between the North and South, ultimately triggering the conflict.
How can I teach the causes of the Civil War using a timeline activity?
To teach the causes of the Civil War with a timeline activity, have students research significant events, place them in chronological order, and describe each event’s impact. Students can create storyboards or posters, illustrating and explaining the sequence that led to war.
What is a storyboard timeline, and how does it help students understand history?
A storyboard timeline is a visual activity where students illustrate and describe key historical events in order. This method helps students grasp cause-and-effect relationships and see how events connect to larger historical outcomes.
Which major Supreme Court case contributed to the Civil War, and why?
The Dred Scott decision was a major Supreme Court case that contributed to the Civil War. It ruled that African Americans were not citizens and that Congress could not ban slavery in the territories, deepening the nation’s divisions.
What are some creative alternatives to traditional timeline lessons for Civil War events?
Civil War lessons can be made interactive by having students create timeline posters, participate in gallery walks, or use digital tools for storyboards. These approaches engage students and encourage deeper analysis of historical events.
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