1. From the late 1820s and early 1830s onward, the United States crept ever closer to the Civil War. In an essay, discuss how cultural events, such as the development of "King Cotton" in the South, the growth of industrialization in the North, and the Second Great Awakening prepared the American people to fight one another. How did these things affect politics in the nation? How did these thing impact how Americans talked and thought about slavery?
2. From 1861 to 1865, the United States of America was torn a part by a civil war. In an essay, sketch out the course of the war. What year do you find most significant? Why?
3. In what way was 1862 a moment where Lincoln "rose to greatness" ? What happened to make this year the one that he emerges as perhaps the nation's greatest president?