Throughout the 1800s a series of events drove our nation toward the bloodiest war in American History. Before the Civil War ended, it would claim more than one million casualties, and more than 620,000 lives. Campaigning armies destroyed thousands of acres of land, leaving scars on the American landscape. In five short years, the Civil War created history, heroes, and villains. But how could a country, which had begun less than one hundred years before, find itself in such a bloody battle? How could Americans, who were just coming to know what it meant to be an American, find no solution for peace?
Through this webquest, you will examine the political events that led to the outbreak of the Civil War. Beginning with the Missouri Compromise of 1820, up through Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860, you will trace the roots of the conflict. By examining the social, political, and economic importance of these events, you answer the simple yet profound question: "How did this happen?"
When you are ready to begin the webquest, click on "2.Task" in the "Contents" section...