Lesson Plan
Hidden Figures of the Civil War
Students will identify and describe the contributions of at least three lesser-known individuals during the Civil War, analyzing how their actions impacted the conflict and society.
Understanding the stories of unsung heroes provides a more complete and humanized perspective of the Civil War, showing that history is shaped by many, not just a few prominent figures. This helps students appreciate the diverse experiences and sacrifices made.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
55 minutes
Approach
Through readings, discussions, and slide presentations, students will explore individual stories.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Beyond the Battlefield Stories, Personal Accounts of War, and Impact of Ordinary People Discussion
Prep
Review Materials and Set Up
15 minutes
- Review the Hidden Figures of the Civil War Lesson Plan, Beyond the Battlefield Stories Slide Deck, Personal Accounts of War Reading, and Impact of Ordinary People Discussion to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Ensure projector or whiteboard is ready for the slide deck.
- Print copies of the Personal Accounts of War Reading if not distributing digitally.
- Prepare for small group discussions as outlined in the Impact of Ordinary People Discussion.
Step 1
Introduction: Beyond the Generals (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief class discussion: 'When you think of the Civil War, whose names come to mind?' (Expect Lincoln, Grant, Lee, etc.)
- Introduce the idea that many ordinary people also played crucial roles.
- Present the objective of the lesson using the Beyond the Battlefield Stories Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).
Step 2
Introducing Unsung Heroes (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Use the Beyond the Battlefield Stories Slide Deck (Slides 3-5) to introduce a few examples of unsung heroes (e.g., Clara Barton, Harriet Tubman, a common soldier, a civilian spy).
- Briefly describe their roles and contributions.
- Encourage students to think about the different ways people contributed to the war effort.
Step 3
Deep Dive: Personal Accounts (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Distribute the Personal Accounts of War Reading.
- Instruct students to read the provided personal accounts of unsung heroes.
- As they read, ask them to highlight or note key contributions and challenges faced by these individuals.
Step 4
Group Discussion: Impact of Ordinary People (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups.
- Guide them to discuss the questions from the Impact of Ordinary People Discussion based on the readings and slide presentation.
- Circulate among groups to facilitate discussion and provide clarification.
Step 5
Wrap-Up: Collective Impact (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together for a brief whole-group share-out of key insights from their discussions.
- Reiterate the importance of understanding diverse perspectives in history.
- Conclude with a summary of how collective actions, big and small, shaped the Civil War.
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Slide Deck
Beyond the Generals
Who comes to mind when you think of the Civil War?
Welcome students and introduce the day's topic. Ask them to think about famous Civil War figures. This sets the stage for exploring less-known heroes.
Unsung Heroes
The Civil War was shaped by countless individuals, not just famous generals.
Today, we'll discover the stories of those who served beyond the battlefield.
Explain that today we'll look beyond the battlefield to the many individuals who contributed in different ways. Introduce the idea of 'unsung heroes.'
Clara Barton: Angel of the Battlefield
- Pioneering nurse during the Civil War
- Organized provisions and medical supplies
- Founded the American Red Cross
Introduce Clara Barton, highlighting her role as a nurse and founder of the American Red Cross. Emphasize the vital role of nurses during the war.
Harriet Tubman: Moses of Her People
- Escaped slave and conductor on the Underground Railroad
- Served as a scout and spy for the Union Army
- Led hundreds to freedom
Introduce Harriet Tubman, focusing on her work as a spy and conductor on the Underground Railroad. Stress her multifaceted contributions.
Everyday Courage
- Common Soldiers: Faced unimaginable conditions and fought for their beliefs.
- Civilian Spies & Supporters: Risked their lives gathering intelligence or providing aid.
- Families on the Homefront: Maintained farms, businesses, and supported the war effort.
Introduce the idea of ordinary soldiers and civilians. You can mention individuals like Sarah Emma Edmonds (disguised soldier/spy) or simply the collective efforts of common people. This slide is a bridge to the reading.
Dive Deeper!
Now, let's read some personal accounts and discover more about the amazing individuals who shaped this pivotal time in history.
Get ready for the Personal Accounts of War Reading!
Transition to the reading activity. Explain that students will now read personal accounts to learn more about these diverse roles.
Reading
Personal Accounts of War: Voices from the Civil War
Account 1: Kinchen Artis – A United States Colored Troop Soldier
Kinchen Artis was born enslaved in North Carolina. When the Civil War began, he saw an opportunity to fight for his own freedom and the freedom of his people. He escaped and joined the Union Army, becoming a soldier in the United States Colored Troops (USCT). His experiences were incredibly challenging. He faced discrimination from white soldiers, harsh conditions, and the constant threat of battle. However, he also found immense purpose in his service. He fought bravely in several engagements, including the Battle of Olustee.
After the war, Kinchen Artis became an active member of his community, working to build a better future for formerly enslaved people. His service exemplified the courage and determination of African American soldiers who fought not only for the Union but for their fundamental human rights.
Account 2: Elizabeth Blackwell – Pioneer Nurse and Doctor
While Clara Barton is well-known, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell played a foundational role in organizing medical care during the Civil War. As the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, she had already broken significant barriers. When the war erupted, she recognized the desperate need for organized nursing and sanitation.
Dr. Blackwell, along with others, established the Women's Central Association of Relief, which played a crucial role in training nurses, collecting medical supplies, and promoting sanitation practices in Union army camps. Her efforts dramatically improved the survival rates of countless soldiers, demonstrating that effective organization and medical expertise were just as vital as bravery on the battlefield.
Account 3: Loreta Janeta Velazquez – Confederate Soldier and Spy
Loreta Janeta Velazquez was a Cuban woman who, defying societal norms, disguised herself as a male soldier named Lieutenant Harry T. Buford and fought for the Confederacy. She participated in several battles, including First Bull Run and Shiloh.
Beyond her combat role, Velazquez also served as a Confederate spy, moving between Union and Confederate lines to gather intelligence. Her story highlights the extraordinary measures some individuals took to participate in the conflict, often breaking gender expectations and facing immense danger. She represented a hidden side of the war, where personal conviction led to unconventional roles.
Discussion
Impact of Ordinary People Discussion
Instructions: In your small groups, discuss the following questions. Be prepared to share your group's insights with the whole class.
Discussion Questions:
- From the Personal Accounts of War Reading or the Beyond the Battlefield Stories Slide Deck, which unsung hero's story resonated with you the most and why?
- How did the contributions of these ordinary individuals, like Kinchen Artis or Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, impact the larger course of the Civil War? Think beyond just military victories.
- What challenges did these individuals face due to their identity (e.g., race, gender) or their unconventional roles during the war?
- Why do you think the stories of these lesser-known figures are important for us to learn about today? What can we learn from their experiences?