Reflect on the Civil War lesson and apply historical thinking concepts
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Indian River State College *
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2010
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History
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Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Reflect on the Civil War lesson and apply historical thinking concepts.
Throughout the Civil War lesson, I learned the importance of applying historical thinking skills to understand the complex events and dynamics of this pivotal period
in American history. One example that illustrates the element of change over time is
the transformation of Abraham Lincoln's views on slavery. At the outset of the war, Lincoln's primary goal was to preserve the Union, and he expressed reluctance to interfere with slavery where it already existed. However, as the war progressed, Lincoln's perspective evolved, influenced by factors such as the moral arguments of
abolitionists, the actions of enslaved individuals seeking freedom, and the military necessity of undermining the Confederacy's economic and social foundation. This shift culminated in the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared all enslaved individuals in Confederate-held territory to be free. By analyzing Lincoln's changing stance on slavery over the course of the war, we can better understand the dynamic nature of historical events and the impact of evolving circumstances on individual beliefs and actions.
Another example that demonstrates the element of causation is the role of sectional
tensions in precipitating the Civil War. The conflict between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and economic differences ultimately led to secession and armed conflict. These tensions had been building for decades, fueled by debates over the expansion of slavery into the Western territories, the economic interests of the agrarian South versus the industrial North, and differing interpretations of the Constitution. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, representing the anti-slavery Republican Party, served as a catalyst for Southern secession, as many Southern states feared that Lincoln's victory would threaten their way of life. By examining the complex web of causes that contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War, we gain insight into the interconnectedness of historical events and the underlying factors that shape human behavior and decision-making. Through these examples, it becomes evident that historical thinking skills such as analyzing change over time and understanding causation are essential for comprehending the complexities of the Civil War era and its enduring significance in American history.
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