In Your Assigned Group, Choose One of the Following Options Listed Below

Lights, Camera, & Action:

Civil War Theater

In your assigned group, choose one of the following options listed below:

Option #1: Crossfire (The Civil War debate)

In the tradition of news network debate programs, (such as the O’Riley factor, Crossfire, etc.), you will create and perform a debate on the Civil War. Pretend it is the 1860’s; you will need to include famous representatives from both the Union and Confederate forces in your debate program. Be sure to discuss the following topics:

-Union/ Confederate War strategies

-Union/Confederate advantages and disadvantages of the conflict. Who will win the war?

-Reference significant victories for both sides

-The source/reasons for the war (state’s rights vs. preservation of the Union, slavery issue, etc.)

-Economic conditions (industry vs. agriculture, railroads, etc.)

This is a list of guidelines, be creative, think about what other key topics you could debate. As always, have fun, but stay school appropriate.

Option #2: Interview with the famous Civil War heroes:

Choose at least 3 famous figures from the Civil War to interview. Be sure to ask your famous individuals about the following topics (same list as above):

-Union/ Confederate War strategies

-Union/Confederate advantages and disadvantages of the conflict. Who will win the war?

-Reference significant victories for both sides

-The source/reasons for the war (state’s rights vs. preservation of the Union, slavery issue, etc.)

-Economic conditions (industry vs. agriculture, railroads, etc.)

This is a list of guidelines, be creative, think about what other key topics you could debate. As always, have fun, but stay school appropriate.

Option #3: History Channel Explorer

You have all seen these programs on the History Channel; historians and archeologists explore famous sites and uncover the mysteries behind the history. You will create a program that will introduce two or more historians/archeologists that will explore and excavate (dig up!) famous Civil War sites. Be sure to have your explorers find key artifacts from the War and then explain their significance to our class:

-weapons used in the war

-various items from key battle fields (can explain key battles, Andersonville prison, your choice)

-supplies/clothes, etc. from a typical Civil War soldier Be sure to explain what daily life was like for these individuals.

Option #4: Battle Reenactments (CNN live on the scene!):

You will choose one of the important Civil War battles/events from the list below and create a CNN news broadcast covering the event. Your list of characters should include studio anchors, field correspondents, and Union/Confederate soldiers and/or generals from the event. Be sure to include:

-geography/weather conditions of the battle

-Important events in the battle itself especially those influencing the outcome

-Weapons/tactics used in the event

-Field correspondent interviews with the soldiers and/or generals

-The Conclusion: who won the battle and why? What does this mean for the rest of the War?

List of battles:

-Antietam

-Gettysburg

-Chickamauga

-Union blockade of Georgia’s coast

-Battle of Atlanta

-Sherman’s March to the Sea

-Great Locomotive Chase

All programs should be at least 5 minutes in length and no longer than 10. Good luck!