LIVING HISTORY: The Lincoln Assassination Theory

Historians disagree about which conspiracy theory is the absolute truth. The Grand Theory was the most accepted theory immediately after the assassination. Thirty years later the Simple Theory gained acceptance. The Civil War was a horrendous time in American history. However, after the Confederacy seceded from the Union, President Abraham Lincoln had little choice but to preserve the Union. The Civil War saga once again shows that war is destructive. More Americans died in the Civil War than any other American conflict. On the other hand, some good did occur as a result of the Civil War, the country reunited and the peculiar institution ended (the system of chattel enslavement).

This WebQuest gave you the student a chance to view the process of history. Many people think that reported history is absolute. You have just learned that this is not true. Historical claims often have diametrical opposing views. Researching the Lincoln assassination theories have given you a chance to apply history in a scholarly and critical way. I trust that you did well on your inquiry.