Civil War Discussion Prompts & Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the Civil War Topic Page. Then use the following prompts to encourage class discussion before, during, and after watching the movie.

Before the Movie

Who fought in the Civil War?

What do you think this war was about?  

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 0:54: How might a state leaving the union weaken government?

Timecode 1:36: What caused President Lincoln to declare the South in rebellion?  

Timecode 1:42: What is a border state?

Timecode 2:07: Why did the North think the war would be fast and easy?

Timecode 2:31: Why do you think the North lost a lot of the early battles?

Timecode 3:12: What message was Lincoln sending to the Confederates with the Emancipation          Proclamation?

Timecode 3:49: Why was the Battle of Gettysburg significant?

Timecode 3:55: How had public sentiment changed since the beginning of the war?

Timecode 4:30: What led General Lee to surrender on April 9, 1865?

After the Movie

What is something new you learned about the Civil War?

Why do you think the North won in the end?

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.