Activity Overview
Lincoln's rise to the presidency wasn't without its hiccups. Students should create a timeline that outlines and defines the major events that led to Lincoln’s election as president in 1860. This will provide students with a historical context for Lincoln’s rise to power from a political perspective. Students should concentrate on the political actions in Lincoln's career and how he defined his ideas and ideologies (as well as that of the Republican Party). In addition, students will be able to understand why his election in 1860 led to the secession of South Carolina and beginning of the American Civil War.
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, and update the instructions accordingly.
Extended Activity
Have students choose one timeline topic to expand on for deeper understanding of its significance and its relation to Lincoln’s rise to the presidency. Students can select Abraham Lincoln facts, or the teacher can pre-select 1-3 topics to choose from. Have students utilize a spider map to expand on the 5 Ws, or major components, of that topic.
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 events that preceded Lincoln's presidency.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add cells as needed.
- Identify important events type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the events in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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
Lincoln's rise to the presidency wasn't without its hiccups. Students should create a timeline that outlines and defines the major events that led to Lincoln’s election as president in 1860. This will provide students with a historical context for Lincoln’s rise to power from a political perspective. Students should concentrate on the political actions in Lincoln's career and how he defined his ideas and ideologies (as well as that of the Republican Party). In addition, students will be able to understand why his election in 1860 led to the secession of South Carolina and beginning of the American Civil War.
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, and update the instructions accordingly.
Extended Activity
Have students choose one timeline topic to expand on for deeper understanding of its significance and its relation to Lincoln’s rise to the presidency. Students can select Abraham Lincoln facts, or the teacher can pre-select 1-3 topics to choose from. Have students utilize a spider map to expand on the 5 Ws, or major components, of that topic.
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 events that preceded Lincoln's presidency.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add cells as needed.
- Identify important events type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the events in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
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 Abraham Lincoln Timeline
Engage students with a classroom debate on Lincoln’s political decisions
Encourage critical thinking and student engagement by organizing a debate focused on key political decisions made by Abraham Lincoln. Students take sides, research arguments, and discuss the consequences of these choices.
Assign research teams to investigate Lincoln’s campaign strategies
Have students work in small groups to analyze Lincoln’s election campaign tactics, including speeches, alliances, and use of media. This helps them understand historical context and teamwork skills.
Guide students to create primary source presentations
Ask students to find and present primary sources like letters, newspaper articles, or speeches from Lincoln’s era. This promotes authentic learning and research skills.
Facilitate a creative writing activity from a historical perspective
Invite students to write a journal entry or letter as if they were a citizen during Lincoln’s election. This enhances empathy and historical understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abraham Lincoln Timeline
What are the key events in Abraham Lincoln’s rise to the presidency?
Key events in Abraham Lincoln’s rise to the presidency include his debates with Stephen Douglas, service in the Illinois legislature, opposition to the expansion of slavery, and nomination as the Republican candidate in 1860. These milestones shaped his political identity and led to his election as president.
How can students create a timeline of Abraham Lincoln’s political career?
Students can create a timeline by organizing important events in Lincoln’s career—such as elections, speeches, and party involvement—into chronological order. Use visual aids like timeline posters or digital templates, and include short descriptions and images to illustrate each event.
Why did Lincoln’s election in 1860 lead to the secession of Southern states?
Lincoln’s election in 1860 alarmed many Southern states because of his anti-slavery expansion stance. His victory signaled a shift in federal policy, prompting South Carolina and others to secede, which ultimately triggered the Civil War.
What are some alternative timeline activities for teaching about Abraham Lincoln?
Besides traditional timelines, teachers can assign timeline posters, interactive presentations, or gallery walks. Students can also use spider maps to explore key events in depth, fostering deeper understanding of Lincoln’s path to the presidency.
What template options help students make engaging Abraham Lincoln timelines?
Engaging template options include digital timeline tools, printable templates with customizable cells, and visual poster layouts. Using a variety of templates encourages creativity and helps students organize information effectively.
More Storyboard That Activities
Presidency of Abraham Lincoln
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