Black Freedom Struggle in the United States:
Teaching Resources
Primary source materials are a great way to teach history and close reading skills. Below you will find an example of how you might use some of the resources on this website in a lesson plan or homework assignment.
Assignment:
- Before reading Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address of 1861, write a quick summary of what you already know about Abraham Lincoln.
- What promises does Lincoln make in this inaugural address?
- Is there anything you find surprising about this address?
- How does Lincoln frame the role of Congress in protecting or abolishing slavery?
In his inaugural address, Lincoln refers to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. In this 1855 article, “The Work of Nationalizing Slavery,” the author outlines problems and fears Northern states had with this act.
What were some of the constitutional problems with the Fugitive Slave Act? How did it pose a problem between State and Federal rights and powers?
Further reading:
