Student Activities on the Battles of the Civil War
The American Civil War (1861-1865) was one of the bloodiest periods in the nation's history, with a death toll of at least 618,000 people. The Civil War is often remembered for its numerous and savage battles, such as Gettysburg and Chickamauga in 1863. Whether you're teaching history or social studies, the many battles of the Civil War provide the basis for a range of interactive activities to engage and interest students about this crucial event in the country's history.
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Morse Code
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Communication during the Civil War consisted of telegrams using Morse code. Explain to students that this enabled generals to send and receive messages containing vital information about battles, tactics and politics. Print and distribute a copy of the Morse code alphabet (see Resources) to students. Either as a whole class or in small groups, spend a lesson creating and deciphering Civil War-themed messages, such as battle dates and key figures.
Newspaper Report
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In this activity, students are divided into groups of three and create a newspaper report on a battle of their choice. (But check that no two groups are reporting on the same battle). After selecting a battle, students must research why, where and when the battle took place, the number of casualties and the significance of the battle, using books and Internet. They can write from a North or South perspective or write neutrally. Encourage them to locate primary sources for quotes and to decorate with images. On completion, each group will then present its newspaper report to the class.
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Character Profile
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In this research activity, students are given a Civil War figure, such as a general, to research and must produce a character profile. Example characters include Braxton Bragg, George Brinton McClellan, Gideon Pillow and Don Carlos Buell. Students must include a photograph, a brief biography and details of the battles the characters were involved in. Students should also provide three general trivia facts about their figures. When completed, assemble a Civil War display for the profiles.
Battle Poetry
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Give students the opportunity to understand what it was like to fight for one of the Civil War armies by analyzing battle poetry. Choose one example from the Confederate Army and one from the Union Army (see Resources). Distribute to students and read the samples together. Identify and discuss examples of emotions, aspirations and motivations from each poem. As a reflective activity, ask students to image that they are a Civil War soldier and then create their own battlefield poem, summarizing their feelings and experiences.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit civil war cannon 1 image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
