Put students in charge of Union AND Confederate war planning and make them build strategy using real data, rail maps, and resource comparisons.
 
This strategy lab challenges students to think like military planners at the start of the Civil War. Using a detailed “By the Numbers” infographic and a Civil War railroads map, students analyze manpower, factories, transportation networks, revenue, and geography to determine how each side should fight.

Students move beyond listing advantages and disadvantages. They interpret data, compare short-term versus long-term strengths, and design realistic war plans for both the Union and Confederacy.

This activity builds the foundation students need before diving into how the Union ultimately won the war.

What’s Included
“By the Numbers: Union vs. Confederacy” infographic
Civil War railroads map
Structured Strategy Lab student handout
Strategic thinking questions (short-term vs. long-term analysis)
War plan design section
Answer key
Teacher guide
 
What Students Will Learn
Analyze wartime resources using quantitative data
Interpret maps to understand geographic strategy
Compare offensive versus defensive war planning
Evaluate which side needed a fast victory—and why
Explain how industry, transportation, and revenue shape military outcomes
 
Grades: 9–12
Duration: 2 Class Periods
DOK Level: 3
Format: Printable + Map-Based Analysis