5Ws: Analyzing the Compromise of 1850

This Storyboard That activity is part of the lesson plans for 1850s America


The Compromise of 1850 5 Ws


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Activity Overview

The Compromise of 1850 was just one of the major events preceding the eve of the Civil War. Using a spider map, have students detail the different components of the Compromise. They should include who proposed it, how it was received socially and politically, and incorporate the separate laws that made up the Compromise. Students should also include the debate over passing the Compromise and how it aimed to solve the question of slavery and its place in (or out of) the new territories.

The students will use the 5 Ws for this activity:



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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)


Student Instructions

Create a spider map detailing the 5 Ws of the Compromise of 1850: Who, What, When, Where, Why?


  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. In the title of each cell, ask each of the 5 Ws as they relate to the Compromise.
  3. In the description boxes, answer the question.
  4. Create images in each cell that illustrate each answer using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
  5. Save and exit when you're done.

5 Ws of History Template

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