Inquiry Question: "What role did Nevada play in Lincoln's presidency?"

Artifact Title: D. E. Edgar to Abraham Lincoln, Tuesday, February 03, 1863

Artifact Description: Letter discussing the possibility of a conspiracy to form a separate republic in the West from the states of California and Oregon combined with the territories of Washington and Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. Why would Lincoln have been concerned about these western states/territories leaving the Union?
2. Why would these states/territories want to form their own republic?
3. What role did these area have in the 1864 election?

Thinking about the Artifact: How would their departure have affected the outcome of the war?

Using Your Imagination: Prepare a debate explaining both sides of the issue from the perspective of a resident from Nevada.
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Artifact Title: Noah Brooks to Abraham Lincoln, [November 1864] (Sends election returns)

Artifact Description: An election return table sent to President Lincoln regarding the 1864 election. Includes total number of votes for each candidate as well as per state. Shows as a home vote and army vote, with the army vote being separated.

Describe the Artifact:

1. What do each of the columns represent?
   
2. What do you think the asterisk next to the Nevada electoral vote means?
3. How many votes for each candidate did Nevada have?
4. What was the total number of votes given in Nevada?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: Explain some reasons that Nevada would have only used 2 of its 3 electoral college votes?

Using Your Imagination: Pretend your a newscaster and write a script for a newscast announcing poll results for the election.
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Artifact Title: Gordon N. Mott to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, February 06, 1864

Artifact Description: Letter from Mott to Lincoln seeking a promotion for his brother to Brigadier General in the U.S. Army

Describe the Artifact:

1. Why would Mott be writing to Lincoln about this matter?
2. Why would Lincoln consider Mott's request?
3. What are Colonel Mott's qualifications?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: Determine how would a this decision affect Lincoln if he agreed or disagreed with Mott's request.

Using Your Imagination: What a journal entry from a soldier that was commanded by a political appointee who's only qualification is a relative of a politician.
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Artifact Title: Henry G. Blasdel to Abraham Lincoln, Friday, February 17, 1865 (Telegram reporting ratification of 13th Amendment)

Artifact Description:Telegram regarding 13th Amendment ratification results for Nevada.

Describe the Artifact:

1. Why do you think this Amendment ratified so quickly?
2. Who was Henry G. Blasdel?
3. Why do you think there are words crossed out?
   

Thinking about the Artifact: Explain why this amendment was so important. Determine why Lincoln felt Nevada's vote was so important.

Using Your Imagination:Write a play demonstrating the day legislation voted on this Amendment. Be sure to include the description of the amendment.
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