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The Confederate States of America — Reading Comprehension

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This comprehensive history reading passage examines the formation and significance of the Confederate States of America. It explores the causes, motivations, and consequences of Southern secession, the establishment of a rival government, and the start of the Civil War. Multiple perspectives are included, with clear analysis of the complex conflicts between states’ rights and union unity. The passage features a primary source quote, glossary, timeline, and activities designed to deepen critical thinking. Students can access read aloud audio, Spanish translations, and differentiated versions for accessibility. The resource is aligned with CA HSS 8.10 and TEKS 8.8 history standards, as well as Common Core RI.6-8 and W.6-8 ELA standards, ensuring rigorous content for developing historical understanding. Ideal for building vocabulary and analytical skills, this lesson enhances knowledge about a pivotal era in U.S. history.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"The Confederate States of America : 22 February 1862 - deo vindice" by Graham, Andrew B. / Library of Congress.

The Confederate States of America was formed in February 1861 when several Southern states decided to leave the United States. These states, including South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, believed that their rights and way of life were threatened, especially regarding the issue of slavery. This decision to secede from the Union created a serious conflict that would lead to the American Civil War.

One major challenge facing the Southern states was how to establish a new government. They needed to organize their own laws, military, and leadership. To solve this, delegates from the seceded states met in Montgomery, Alabama. There, they wrote a new constitution for the Confederacy. This document was similar to the United States Constitution but included clear protections for slavery and states’ rights. The Confederacy’s leaders believed that this new system would preserve their independence and way of life.

Jefferson Davis was elected the first president of the Confederate States of America. Davis, a former U.S. senator from Mississippi, was chosen for his experience and leadership. He faced the enormous task of uniting the new nation, organizing an army, and gaining support from other countries. While Davis led the Confederacy, Abraham Lincoln became president of the United States. The two leaders had very different views on slavery and the future of the country.

The formation of the Confederacy created major tensions in the United States. Many Northerners saw secession as a threat to the nation’s unity and the rule of law. Meanwhile, Southerners argued that each state had the right to self-determination—the power to decide its own future. These differences could not be resolved peacefully. In April 1861, the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter, beginning the Civil War.

The Civil War lasted four years and had lasting consequences for the country. The Confederacy struggled with issues like lack of resources, internal disagreements, and the challenge of fighting a longer war than expected. In 1865, the Confederate States were defeated, and the Union was preserved. The issues of slavery and states’ rights continued to shape the nation’s history long after the war ended.

Interesting Fact: The Confederate States of America chose Richmond, Virginia, as its capital after Montgomery, Alabama. Richmond became a key target during the Civil War.

When was the Confederacy formed?

February 1861July 1776April 1865March 1820

Who was the first Confederate president?

Abraham LincolnUlysses S. GrantJefferson DavisRobert E. Lee

What was the first capital of the Confederacy?

RichmondMontgomeryAtlantaNew Orleans

Why did the Southern states secede?

To gain goldFor religious freedomOver slavery and states' rightsTo avoid taxes

How did the Civil War begin?

Signing a treatyFiring at Fort SumterBuilding a railroadWriting a constitution

What was a key challenge for the Confederacy?

Too many resourcesInternal disagreementsEasy victorySupport from all states