6th Grade U.S.

History
Part I
Mrs. LeRoux
Welcome to the study of the Civil War! After we learn about the
causes of the Civil War and what started secession, we will study the
battles. Did you know there were over 8000 battles and skirmishes?
That is a lot to know about a four year war! In our history class, we are
going to try and have a basic understanding of what happened during
those four years. To help you to better understand some of the battles
in depth, you are going to use this pathfinder. It will guide you in the
right direction since it features reliable websites and good book
sources found in the OKMS Library.
You will be graded on this research! You must use at least three
websites and one print source. You can find these types of resources in
the pathfinder below. While you are working, be sure to cite your
sources. Links to citation websites are provided at the end of the
pathfinder. In addition, you will take the research and turn it in to a
final product. You will be given separate instructions and a rubric for
your product.
For each battle you research, try to answer the following:
key people involved (Generals or significant soldiers)
strategies for each side
map (include effects of topography)
important data (who, what, where, when, how long)
outcomes (who won, casualties, so on)
REQUIRED BATTLES

Battle at Ft. Sumter

First Battle of Bull Run
Battle of Vicksburg
Battle of Gettysburg
Surrender at Appomattox
Courthouse

SUGGESTED BATTLES FOR

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH (see Mrs.
LeRoux for approval on any
other battle not listed here)
Battle of Antietam
Battle of Fredericksburg
Battle of Shiloh
Battle of Chancellorsville
Battle of the Monitor and Merrimac

HELPFUL HINTS FOR USING THE PATHFINDER:

Suggested search terms or helpful instructions are stated to help
you for each type of resource.

Read the annotation (the description on what you will find in

each source) to help you decide whether to consider using it for
your research.
Click on the pictures/icons on the left to take you to the website
(left = link).
Pictures on the right mean a print source.
Dictionaries:

Suggested search terms related to battles: abatis, artillery,

charge, corps, fascine, fortification, gabions, juggernaut, minie bullet,
redoubt, skirmish, total war
The Visual Dictionary of the Civil War by John Stanchak
973.7
Text and illustrations present information about various
aspects of the Civil War, including the infantry,
artillerymen, horse soldiers, sailors, weapons, medical treatment,
armored ships, leaders, communications, transportation, and more.

This page offers a glossary of Civil War vocabulary and commonly used
Civil War terms.
Library Catalog (resources from the OKMS Library)
Suggested topics: Fort Sumter, First Battle of Bull Run, Monitor and
Merrimac, Battle of Shiloh, Battle of Antietam, Vicksburg, Gettysburg,
Appomattox.
On to Richmond: The Civil War in the East
by James Arnold and Roberta Wiener.

973.7 ARN

Provides information about the battles that occurred during the early years of the
Civil War, including the First and Second Battles of Bull Run, the Seven Days'
Battles, the Battle of Antietam, and others, and features maps, illustrations, and
profiles of Union and Confederate leaders.

The Civil War in the West : (1861-July 1863)

by Dale Anderson

973.7 AND

Looks at how the Civil War was fought in the western region of the United States, and how the
conduct of the conflict differed from the battles fought in the East. Includes profiles of
significant people, a time line, glossary, maps, and archival illustrations.

The Monitor Versus the Merrimac: the Ironclads at War

by Dan Abnett

973.7 ABN

Presents a brief depiction of the Civil War clash between the Confederate ironclad Merrimack-renamed the Virginia--and the Union ironclad Monitor at Hampton Roads, Virginia, in March
1862.

The Battle of Gettysburg in American History

by Anne Gaines

973.7 GAI

Provides background on the bloodiest battle in the Civil War, a day-by-day account
of the fighting, and a discussion of the battle's aftermath.

Turning Points
by Jim Ollhoff

973.7 OLL

Describes the turning points of the Civil War including the Emancipation
Proclamation, the Siege of Vicksburg, the Battle of Gettysburg, and more.

Lost cause : the end of the Civil War, 1864-1865

ARN
by James Arnold and Roberta Wiener

973.7

Examines the final campaign of the Civil War, a struggle that pitted the forces of
Ulysses S. Grant against Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, and discusses
Abraham Lincoln's bid for reelection in 1864. Includes photographs, maps, and illustrations, as
well as sidebars that profile significant people and events.

Geographical Sources
Suggested search terms: use the names of the required
battles listed above to get you started.
Use the pull-down menus to select battlefield maps,
historical maps, or animated maps.

Use this site to find Civil War maps that help you to learn more about
the battlefields. Some of the maps are interactive.
Encyclopedias
Use this site to research battles that took
place in Virginia: Bull Run, Seven Days
Battle, Battle of Chancellorsville, Battle of
Fredericksburg, Battle of Cold Harbor,
Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse

Use this site to get a good, overall understanding of

the Civil War with specific battles listed along the way.

Ready Reference
Suggested Topics: These are great resources to find information
about battles from all over the United States. Use the required battle
names listed above as well as any other battles you are researching.
Search for the latest Civil War information from the webs
best sites, magazines, newspapers, and the like.
Use this online almanac to help you find facts
about the Civil War battles you are

researching.
Use this site for short summaries and who,
what, where, and when for your battle. You will
look up each battle by the state where it
happened, so if you arent sure, ask!

specific name.

Use this site for maps, and to find out who, what, where, and
when for each battle. Look up battle by state, year, or

Indexes & Databases

Suggested Topics: American Civil War Battles, American Civil War
Battlefields, or use the names of specific battles such as Battle of Bull
Run or the Battle of Gettysburg. Also, when using these sources, be
sure to change the type of material under the Your Results heading.
You may find different types of articles and even some videos to watch.
Visit the OKMS library homepage, then select the Gale
Virtual Reference Library, then scroll down to select the
U.S. History Collection.
Visit the OKMS library homepage, then select Gale Virtual
Reference Library, then scroll down to select Military &
Intelligence.
Citations: Dont forget to cite your sources!!!
Great free source for MLA
documentation.

Just like this says, you will cite it fast here.