Civil War Democracy Debates
Many historians believe that the brief period of Reconstruction following the Civil War was the closest the U.S.
came to being a genuine democracy in the 19th century. For the first time ever, many African Americans were
able to vote and take part in national politics as elected representatives. Though it was not long before white
supremacists returned to power, for a brief period it seemed as if the U.S. was fulfilling its democratic promise.
To this day, historians debate the significance of the Civil War and Reconstruction period. Those who believe
that racism is alive and well in the U.S. tend to argue that the Civil War was not fought for altruistic, anti-racist
reasons while those who see white supremacy as a dying movement often believe that the Civil War dealt a
powerful blow to the forces of racism and white supremacy. To better understand these arguments, your groups
will be participating in a debate over the predominant issues of the Civil War and Reconstruction period.
Your group must take a side on one of the following issues:
Who started the Civil War: the South or the North?
Should the government have done more to help newly freed slaves after the Civil War?
Though you might disagree with the position your group has been assigned, your job is to support that position
with as much evidence as possible. To earn an A on the project, every single group member MUST cite a
quote from the U.S. History textbook at least once. You can earn extra credit by quoting A People’s History
of the U.S. in addition to that.
If your group has more than 7 members, the remaining members of your group can write an essay instead of
participating in the debate. This essay must include the opening statement and rebuttal as well as one quote and
must be substantially different from the opening statement and rebuttal that are read in class.
Debate Roles
Every member of your group must take on one role in the debate.
Opening Statement: One member of the group will give an opening statement in which your group
outlines its position on the issue in no more than two minutes.
Rebuttal: One member of the group must then rebut the opposing group’s argument in no more than two
minutes.
Q & A: One or two members of your group must prepare a list of five questions to ask the opposing
group. They must also be prepared to answer the opposing group’s questions in no more than five
minutes.
Open Dialogue: At least one member of your group must participate in an open dialogue in which you
will have five minutes to debate the issue.
Closing Arguments: One member of your group must present the closing argument to sum up the
group’s position in no more than two minutes.
Debate Resources
“Slavery without Submission, Emancipation without Freedom” Chapter 9 of A People’s History of the
United States
“Union in Crisis,” “The Civil War,” and “Reconstruction” from the U.S. History textbook
Civil War Debates Grading Rubric:
Group Performance:
1
5
10
15
20
25
No reasons/examples to support argument
Used at least 5 strong
supporting reasons/examples
Examples poorly explained
Examples well explained
Inaccurate statements
All statements are accurate
Individual Performance:
1
5
10
15
20
25
No quotes used
1 quote used and properly
cited
Quotes poorly explained
Quote well explained
No evidence of preparation
Evidence of preparation
Did not speak at all
Active involvement