U.S. History: Civil War- Views on the Emancipation Proclamation

In this lesson students will study political cartoons created in response to Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation that illustrate differences in public opinion. Students will analyze these sources to determine their effectiveness in conveying opinion.

Weblink address (URL):

Views on the Emancipation Proclamation

Home Page for the Lesson Plan- Source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

Students will compare and contrast primary source documents to learn about different reactions to Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Essential and guiding questions:

How did the public view the Emancipation Proclamation?
What can political cartoons tell us about public response to historical events?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Applying

Extension suggestions:

Have the students study the Emancipation print, and the Behold Oh! America, Your sons print. Have them write a paragraph that answers the following questions: Is Lincoln presented as a hero or a villain?
What are the similarities in the portrayals? What is the audience for the prints? Do you think the artists are Union sympathizers or Confederate sympathizers?
Have the students create a print commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in 2013.

Helpful Hints

MATERIALS USED:

Primary Source Analysis Tool
Analyzing Photographs and Prints Teachers Guide
Analyzing Political Cartoons Teachers Guide