About the inquiry

This inquiry focuses on the relationship between President Abraham Lincoln and his commanding General George McClellan and the impact of their relationship on the Civil War. President Lincoln and General McClellan knew each other long before the Civil War having worked together on the Illinois Central Railroad in the late 1850s, where McClellan was the general superintendent and Lincoln an attorney. When the American Civil War began in 1861, Lincoln held McClellan in high regard. Lincoln was not alone in his admiration of McClellan as evidenced by the “Young Napoleon” moniker given him by his fellow officers.

 

Compelling Question

How did the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and George McClellan affect the Civil War?

Staging Question

Discuss things that people should and should not do when trying to build a successful relationship.

Summative Performance Task

Argument: How did the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and George McClellan affect the Civil War? Construct on argument that takes a position on the impact of the Lincoln and McClellan's disagreements. The argument should include claims supported by evidence from the sources.

Extension: Create a timeline of military events in 1862 with annotations about the events from the argument.

Taking Informed Action

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