About the inquiry

In this inquiry, students examine the question of whether the Civil War had to end the way it did. On February 3, 1865, leaders from the Union and the Confederacy met in Hampton Roads, Virginia, to discuss a negotiated end to the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward represented the United States. Representing the Confederacy were Vice President Alexander H. Stephens, Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, and Assistant Secretary of War John A. Campbell. They discussed terms for an end to the war, including a compromise over slavery and compensation for emancipated slaves as well as a possible alliance against France. While the conference did not produce any tangible results, it does offer an opportunity to learn more about Lincoln’s leadership style, priorities, and hopes for the post-war period.

Compelling Question

Did the Civil War have to last as long as it did?

Staging Question

Working in small groups, brainstorm ideas about how to end a conflict.

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Did the Civil War have to take as long as it did? Construct a brief argument with 3 claims supported by evidence from the sources addressing the end of the Civil War.

Extension: Draft a peace proposal for the Civil War.

Taking Informed Action

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