This collection uses primary sources to compare and explore the relationships between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Digital Public Library of America Primary Source Sets are designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills and draw diverse material from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Each set includes an overview, ten to fifteen primary sources, links to related resources, and a teaching guide. These sets were created and reviewed by the teachers on the DPLA's Education Advisory Committee.

In this lesson and activity booklet, students will learn about the Underground Railroad, conductors, and routes to freedom taken by Freedom Seekers.

Worksheet to encourage kids to process their understanding of slavery and freedom through art and discussion.

In 1845 Frederick Douglass published what was to be the first of his three autobiographies: the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself.  As the title suggests, Douglass wished not only to highlight the irony that a land founded on freedom would permit slavery to exist within its midst, but also to establish that he, an American slave with no formal education, was the sole author of the work.

Students will use an 1861 map and the Emancipation Proclamation to learn where slavery ended, what states still allowed slavery, and what states did not allow slavery. Follow-up questions will promote higher-level learning by requiring students to recogni

Gordon Wood, Professor Emeritus at Brown University, and the author of Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815, examines the post-Revolutionary generation and the tremendous changes that occurred during that period. [39:06]

An interesting essay on the forced migration of Africans to America by way of the Middle Passage. Read where the slaves were off-loaded, how the population of slaves increased, and the inhumanities inflicted on the slaves both on the passage from Africa and, finally, at their destination. Requires registration, but is free for teachers and students.

In this unit, students will trace the development of sectionalism in the United States as it was driven by the growing dependence upon, and defense of, black slavery in the southern states.

In this video from ThinkTV Dayton, learn about Harriet Beecher Stowe and the basis of her famous book, Uncle Tom's Cabin, that documented racial injustice before the Civil War.

In this lesson, by examining two primary sources and watching a short video, students will become familiar with the remarkable bravery and extraordinary accomplishments of the "Moses of her people," Harriet Tubman.

This lesson plan will help students (1) Reveal stories of the Underground Railroad and its role in helping the enslaved; (2) Learn about Harriet Tubman, who helped 350 enslaved people to freedom; and (3) Discuss slavery and its dehumanizing effect on African Americans.

A monologue scene featuring a drama professor as 19th-century Kentucky statesman Henry Clay discussing his stand on slavery, a stance that was both politically and personally troubling to him.

Students will develop an awareness of the risks taken by those who took part in the Underground Railroad, and will increase their understanding of the concept of a “hero.”

In this lesson we will explore the creative and ethical uses of making decisions that contribute or limit the oppression of former enslaved African Americans and answering the question: "What rights and opportunities should be afforded to African American

This 27-minute video lesson is part 1 of Sal's overview of the Haitian Revolution. It covers the slaves rebellion in Saint-Domingue (Haiti) and the rise of Toussaint. L'Ouverture. [History playlist: Lesson 18 of 26]

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

This 17-minute video lesson concludes Sal's overview of the Haitian Revolution. It covers Dessalines taking on Leclerc and Rochambeau. [History playlist: Lesson 19 of 26]

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

[Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson, students will examine posters and broadsides from the 1800s to examine attitudes about slavery at that time.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Students will examine African American slave spirituals, a painting, and a personal narrative to analyze the underlying messages of these materials.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Ira Berlin delivers a lecture featuring the premise of his book, Generations in Captivity: Slavery in America. From the early establishment of the settlements in the New World slavery made its presence in the United States. The 13th Amendment put an end to slavery, but racism evolved. Today, racism can still be seen throughout parts of the nation. Berlin addresses slavery and racism from a historical perspective. [43:31]

[Free Registration/Login Required] Professor Catherine Clinton, of Queens University Belfast, delivers a presentation about the life of Harriet Tubman and her quest for freedom. [33:11]