This 20-page resource with 22 primary sources, 25 comprehension questions plus 2 DBQ prompts gives students a chance to look in depth at women's experiences and contributions during the Civil War, on both sides. The first two pages include Background, Notes on Primary Sources and Teacher Notes.

Here’s a chance for students to read documents and look at images that shed light on issues facing women during the Civil War. These include photographs, postcards, letters, diary entries, lectures and books. The Civil War affected women differently based on their geographic location, their socio-economic situation and their race. The sources represent the experiences of many of these different groups, and some which cross over. The included primary sources cover an expansive range of topics and address one of the key topics, which was how women pushed the boundaries of traditional expectations.

Primary sources include written text from Northern and Southern women, both white and African-American, as well as images.

Assign just one, a few or all of the sources depending on time constraints and student interest.

Each page of primary sources includes comprehension questions at the end in order for students to analyze perspectives, consider key ideas and identify bias.

Included is a one-page sheet that explains what primary sources are and how to analyze them using specific questions through a process called HAPPY (Historical Context, Audience, Purpose, Point of View and Why Significant). There is also a page at the end for students to apply the HAPPY process to one source.

Two DBQ prompts are included at the end with instructions on how to create a response to the prompt.

An Answer Key to all the comprehension questions and the DBQ prompts are available at the end of the packet. This is excellent practice for all high school students, particularly Honors and AP students, but all students will find these resources engaging.

This is also available as a digital resource through Easel so students may complete it online.

Please check out my other Primary Source Analysis and DBQ Teaching Resources about Women's History

* Women in Colonial America: DBQ's and Primary Sources * Women of the American Revolution: DBQ's and Primary Sources * Early Women's Rights 1840-1865: DBQ's and Primary Sources * Women during the Industrial Era: DBQ's and Primary Sources * Women's Suffrage Movement: 1865-1920: DBQs and Primary Sources * Women during the 1920s: DBQs and Primary Sources * Women in the U.S. Military during World War II: DBQ's and Primary Sources

More are always being added so check back frequently!

I have taught US History, World History, AP US History, and AP World History both in-person and online. I hold a B.A. and an M.A. in History.

Do you love historical fiction? My novel, Hearts at War, features a white girl and a Japanese-American boy who are childhood friends whose growing attraction to one another in high school will be severed by war, family and social pressures once they enter college. They come of age in California and coincidence will throw them together again in the Pacific theater of war as they both serve in the military. Will they be able face the challenges of war and find a way back to each other? Available on Amazon or Kindle/Kindle Unlimited. Young Adults/Adults/Interracial Romance. I appreciate any reviews!

Thank you!

Christa Nonnemaker