The Declaration of Independence in Crisis: Origins of the Civil War is a live, interactive webinar series for secondary social studies teachers that centers the Declaration of Independence in the antebellum era. Through discussion of primary sources, participants will explore how its ideals fueled the debates and divisions that led to civil war and stood at the heart of the nation’s most profound test.

This session examines Dred Scott v. Sandford and its challenge to the Declaration of Independence and its claim that liberty and equality are universal principles. Through primary sources, participants will analyze how the ruling and its dissent intensified conflict over the nation’s founding ideals.

Our live teacher webinars provide content-rich and interactive professional development through conversation.  We’ll share a reading packet with registrants several weeks before the event and provide space for early discussion between participants.  The documents, pre-seminar conversation, and questions asked in the discussion board are vital to shaping the direction of the panelists’ conversation.  Audience members ask questions during the event, comment in the lively chat, and share resources and ideas.

Our online seminars meet monthly on select Saturday mornings from 10.45 am–12 pm ET. Those who remain digitally present for the duration of the conversation will receive an attendance letter from Teaching American History for 1.25 hours of professional development.