In this hands-on Strategy Lab, students step into the role of Civil War war planners and use real 1861 data to design the Union and Confederate strategies. They examine population numbers, rail networks, industry, naval strength, geography, and government resources to decide what each side can actually do at the start of the war. Students actively compare strengths and weaknesses, analyze maps, and build strategic plans backed by evidence—not guesswork—giving them a clearer understanding of how resources shaped military decisions.

Grade Level: 9-12
Duration: 3 Hours

What’s Included:
3 Strategy Lab student worksheets
Infographic and data reference sheet
Short 1 page reading on The Confederacy at the start of the war.  
Map-based planning section
Teacher instructions and setup guide
Answer Keys
 
Skills Developed:
Analyzing quantitative data and maps to support strategic decisions
Evaluating strengths and limitations to create evidence-based war plans
Using historical evidence to defend strategic choices

Perfect For: Civil War units, inquiry-based lessons, document and data analysis practice, stations work, or as a pre-campaign planning activity before studying major battles.