Major themes or topics: Civil War, slavery, Washington DC history, Lincoln's presidency, abolitionism, African American soldiers, Frederick Douglass

Key content: Students explore how slavery shaped Washington DC and the conditions that led to the Civil War, diving into pivotal moments such as Lincoln’s presidency and assassination. They will examine the contributions of African American troops and the efforts of abolitionists like Frederick Douglass.

Focus questions: How did slavery influence the history and development of Washington DC? What role did African American soldiers play in the Civil War? How did the events and people of this era shape the course of the conflict and the nation's future?

DCPS alignment: Grade 5 Social Studies, Unit 2 - A Work in Progress: Civil War and Reconstruction