Introduce the lesson and set the stage. Welcome students, and explain that this lesson will dive into the key events, figures, and impact of the Civil War. Mention that understanding this history helps contextualize many modern social and political structures.

Briefly introduce the Civil War. Explain its historical significance, mention the causes such as economic differences, states' rights, and slavery, and highlight why these conflicts escalated into war.

Dive into the causes. Use this slide to list and briefly discuss the major causes of the Civil War, linking to the provided timeline handout during the lecture.

Discuss major battles and events. Use images and the timeline handout to help students visualize the progress of the war. Point out important turning points and what they meant for both the Union and the Confederacy.

Focus on key figures. Introduce leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Ulysses S. Grant. Provide some background about each, their roles, and decisions made during the war.

Wrap-up the lesson with a summary and discussion. Highlight key takeaways regarding the impact of the Civil War on modern America and prompt the class with questions from the [Civil War Impact Discussion Prompts](#civil-war-impact-discussion-prompts).