Name:___________________________________________
Date:_____________
Cotton, Slaves, and The Abolition Movement Webquest (60 points)
Directions: Using the Internet, research the following topics. Then, follow the directions on each section
to figure out what you have to do. Good luck!
Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin
Part I. (15 points)
Directions: Using the following websites, research Eli Whitney and his cotton gin. You must write/type a
1-2 page summary explaining the significance of Whitney’s invention. In doing so, explain the following:
1. Whitney’s background
a. Where was he born?
b. When was he born?
c. Education?
d. Jobs?
2. Whitney’s inventions
a. Interchangeable Parts
i. What was it?
ii. What was its impact on business?
b. Cotton Gin
i. What was it? How does it work?
ii. What was its impact on business?
3. Impact of Invention
a. Did Whitney’s inventions make him rich?
Websites
www.ushistory.org, and click on the U.S. History text book on the left hand side. 27.A “The Crowning of
King Cotton”
www.history.com, and then type Eli Whitney in the search bar.
Part II. (5 points)
Directions: On a full sheet of paper, draw a promotional advertisement for Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin. On
the ad, you might consider including the following information:
1. What it is.
2. What it does.
3. Why someone should buy it.
The Slave System
Part I. (15 points)
Directions: Using the following websites, research how slaves lived in the South. You must write/type a 12 page summary describing their lives including information on the following:
1. Life of a Slave
a. Slave Auctions
b. Working in the fields
c. Working in the house
d. Punishment for slaves
i. Breaking rules or laws
ii. Running away/ becoming a fugitive slave
e. Housing for slaves
f. Education
Websites
www.ushistory.org, and click on the U.S. History text book on the left hand side. 27B “Slave Life and Slave
Codes”
http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/00394/life.htm, “The Life of a Slave”
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/slaveauction.htm, “A Slave Auction”
Part II. (5 points)
On the attached map, identify the following:




Atlantic Slave Trade Route
Identify which goods were sold in the Triangular Trade pyramid
Cities/States where slaves were purchased in America
Countries in Africa where slaves were taken from
Below the map, answer the following questions.
Using the map and the website http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/geography/slave_trade.htm,
answer the following questions. You can use other websites to find the information as well.
1. How many slaves were enslaved and sent to North America?
2. How many slaves were enslaved and sent to South America?
3. How many slaves were enslaved and sent to Europe?
The Movement to End Slavery
Part I. (15 points)
Directions: Using the following websites, research the abolition movement in America. Then, write a 1-2
page summary explaining how the movement to end slavery in America evolved over time. Consider the
following questions in your summary:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What is abolition?
Who is Frederick Douglass?
Who is Harriet Tubman?
What is the Underground Railroad?
What was the Southerner’s view on slavery?
Who is William Lloyd Garrison?
Websites
www.ushistory.org, and click on the U.S. History text book on the left hand side. 27 D, E, F., and 28
A,B,C,D.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1535.html, on Harriet Tubman.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1539.html, on Frederick Douglass.
Part II. (5 points)
Directions: Go to the following website for the Underground Railroad. Once finished taking the journey,
draw the route taken by you (the slave) on your way to freedom in Canada on the map on the following
page.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/
Route To Freedom: Identify the following:

Locations from Maryland to final destination in Canada

Atlantic Ocean

Gulf of Mexico
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Lake Erie

Draw a line connecting areas on the map showing your route

On the line, identify how far you travel on the Underground Railroad as a slave. (use the scale in
the upper left corner)