NAME__________________________________________
30 POINTS
Civil War Archives Projects
Read the following guidelines for review before selecting your top five selections by number. Every effort
will be made to give you your first choice, but no two students will have the same topic. If you would like
to create your own research ideas, you may present it for approval.
1. Determine how to best present the topic: sing it, dance it, demonstrate it, cook it, read it, draw it,
etc.
2. Try to space out the time you have. Pay careful attention to the deadlines and goals set for each
class period.
3. Be sure to make your presentation memorable. It does not have to be powerpoint/prezi, and you
are encouraged to think outside of the box!
4. Think about how to catch the full and prolonged attention of your classmates. “Sell” your
presentation to the class.
5. Make sure your project is completed before your scheduled presentation. If you are absent on the
day of your presentation, you must be proactive in rescheduling it.
Rubric
Written Account of Research
_____/2
At least one page double spaced/two pages handwritten
_____/2
Original rough draft turned in
_____/2
12 Font Times New Roman/ Ink
_____/2
Writing Conventions
_____/2
MLA Citations
_____/5
Content Development
Product and Presentation
_____/5
Product Accuracy
_____/5
Presentation- Eye Contact, Voice Projection, etc
_____/5
Creativity/Neatness
Civil War Suggestions
1. Research and present both the Confederate and Union flags used in the war showing the
development and variety of flags on one or more sides.
2. Find recipes for Civil War foods, like hardtack. Make some and explain the food and the availability
of resources. You could possibly show a Yank or Rebel meal.
3. Research uniforms of both sides and take pictures or drawings of one or both sides showing the
wide variety of fighting attire. You could even make something!
4. Research doctors, medical personnel, and medical tools and supplies. It may amaze you at the lack
of sophisticated materials.
5. Research photographers and their equipment, like Matthew Brady and how photographs showed
war in its reality and how it could be controversial in today’s world.
6. Find out about Civil War money. Both sides had trouble financing the war and issues with inflation,
yet it perhaps played a role in the Union’s victory.
7. Research spies during the war. What made an effective spy? How difficult was it to detect spies in
the Civil War, considering both sides were nearly identical in dress and language.
8. Research drill manuals, such as the Hardees Tactics. Demonstrate how soldiers drilled in
preparation for battle.
9. Research recruitment posters used for the war. Which posters were more effective and why?
Perhaps create an effective poster.
10. Research the Red Cross in the Civil War and Clara Barton’s contribution to that organization.
11. Research the ironclads and how they were used by both navies in the war. You could display a
model or diorama of famous battles.
12. Research the role of the bugler or drummer in the armies of both sides. Perform some of the era’s
tunes on a bugle (or other instrument) and discuss the age/experience of drummers.
13. Research infamous prisons of the Civil War. Andersonville’s history will give you an idea of the
appalling conditions.
14. Present a famous battle. Present information on commanders, geography of the battles, dramatic
moments, and results. You can use a diorama to give a visual dimension or model it based on what
you would find at a museum for one of the National Battlefields.
15. Take two events in the Civil War, explain what happened, and then write a “what-if” history based
on the idea that something may have dramatically changed history. Some examples could center on
Lincoln’s death, the result of Gettysburg, etc.
16. Research the role of African American soldiers in the war. If called upon, would they fight for the
Confederacy? Why would they fight for the Union?
17. Write a history of blockade runners of the Civil War. They were so fascinating that in “Gone With
the Wind,” one of the main characters was one!
18. Research the role of our state and their major contributions to the war. This could be military
history or from a political stance.
19. Cast a movie of “Across Five Aprils” with today’s actors and actresses. Focus on five characters and
research actual individuals who shared similar fates and journeys.
20. Research Lincoln’s actions during the war that could be labeled “unconstitutional.” Then make a
case that he acted as a dictator during his presidency.
21. Research desertion and deserters. How did both governments deal with them?
22. Research submarines in the Civil War. Why were these important?
23. Research the role of foreign-born soldiers in the Civil War. Which side benefitted the most? What
kinds of incentives were proposed?
24. Every war has dissidents- those who oppose conflict for various reasons. Research organizations
like Copperheads and Peace Societies and assess their effectiveness.
25. Research Mary Jane Safford, Mary Bikerdate, or Dorthea Dix. Discuss their contributions to the
war effort.
26. Take pictures of Lincoln showing him age from a country lawyer in Illinois to the last Brady
photography taken of him before his death. Do the same for another president (not Bush or
Obama) and compare/contrast them in a creative way.
27. Find accounts of typical camp life for a soldier. This could include activities that they did while not
in battle, camp tents, campfires, drills, and other rituals.
28. Research hospitals, dressing stations, medical instruments, tools and supplies.
29. Display the human cost of battle. Use statistics of birth/death rates during the Civil War, first-hand
accounts of confusion and horror of combat, etc.
30. Research the background and origin of Civil War music and its musicians. Play several examples of
songs and lyrics.