The USA in the 19th Century: Westward
expansion and the Civil War 1803 – c.1890
What shaped Abraham Lincoln?
Activity 2
This activity has been designed to help students understand Lincoln in context, specifically how did
his early life form his views on the issues of the day. It should also challenge misconceptions about
Lincoln’s views on slavery i.e. that because he emancipated the slaves he was for abolition.
Students should be presented with a variety of sources of information on Abraham Lincoln and his
early life / political career including primary and secondary material. Students should review the
sources and decide upon which shape or symbol best represents him (a top hat, a log cabin, a
square). They should then annotate their illustration with key details about Lincoln’s early life and
explain why they have chosen their particular illustration.
Suggested sources of information:
1.
Early Life: http://www.biography.com/people/abraham-lincoln-9382540
2.
Speeches (views on key issues of the day):
http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/speeches.htm
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The USA in the 19th Century: Westward expansion and the Civil War 1803 – c.1890
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Activity 2
Abraham Lincoln in 1858.
Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
TASK: Use the sources to create a visual (annotated) representation of Lincoln: what were the key factors which influenced his early life?
What were his views on the key issues of the day? What shape would best represent him?
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The USA in the 19th Century: Westward expansion and the Civil War 1803 – c.1890
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Suggested sources of information:
1.
Early Life: http://www.biography.com/people/abraham-lincoln-9382540
2.
Speeches (views on key issues of the day): http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/speeches.htm
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OCR Resources: the small print
OCR’s resources are provided to support the teaching of OCR specifications, but in no way constitute an endorsed teaching method that is required by the Board, and the decision to
use them lies with the individual teacher. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the content, OCR cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions within these
resources.
© OCR 2015 - This resource may be freely copied and distributed, as long as the OCR logo and this message remain intact and OCR is acknowledged as the originator of this work.
OCR acknowledges the use of the following content: Page 2, Portrait of Abraham Lincoln in 1858, Everett Historical/Shutterstock.com; Portrait of Abraham Lincoln in 1863, Alexander
Gardner/Commons.wikimedia.org; Portrait of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, Alexander Gardner/Commons.wikimedia.org
Please get in touch if you want to discuss the accessibility of resources we offer to support delivery of our qualifications: resources.feedback@ocr.org.uk
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The USA in the 19th Century: Westward expansion and the Civil War 1803 – c.1890
© OCR 2015