This week, the class will focus on the causes of the Civil War, with a particular emphasis on the growing sectionalism in the United States during the period. We'll explore how deep divisions between the North and South—especially regarding issues like slavery, economic differences, and political power—escalated tensions. Students will learn about key events and ideologies that contributed to the conflict, such as the Missouri Compromise, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the Dred Scott decision. 

 The second week will focus on the major events and battles of the Civil War. Students will learn about the early conflicts, including the First Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Antietam, and discuss key military leaders and strategies employed by both the Union and Confederate armies. The week will also cover significant turning points in the war, such as the Emancipation Proclamation, and the impact of these events on the course of the conflict. 

 In the third week, the class will concentrate on the pivotal events of 1863 that marked a turning point in the Civil War. Key topics will include the Battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg, which significantly shifted the momentum in favor of the Union. Students will explore how these victories affected military strategy and morale. Additionally, the week will delve into the early emancipation efforts, particularly the impact of the Emancipation Proclamation. 

 In the final week, the focus will shift to the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Students will analyze the efforts to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society. The week will cover the establishment of the Freedmen’s Bureau, the passage of the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th), and the resistance faced by these efforts, including the rise of Jim Crow laws and white supremacist groups.