INTRODUCTION

We begin our study of the Civil War in the cemetery because hundreds of thousands would lose their lives fighting for constitutional principle, sectional differences, economic self-interest, and moral righteousness. As a defining moment in United States history, our Civil War has no equal, which is why it remains such a fascinating subject even today."

TASK

Your task is to wear the boots of an American citizen between 1861 and 1865.  Today they are found in cemeteries, in books, on film and on the World Wide Web.  You will choose a role from the list below and visit related Web sites to learn details of their lives.  You will write a seven day first person diary from the frame of reference of the role you choose.

ROLES

• African American Slave
• African American Freeman
• Army Chaplain
• Army Doctor
• Army Nurse
• Confederate General
• Confederate Infantry Soldier
• Prisoner of War
• Union General
• Union Infantry Soldier
• War correspondent/photographer

PROCESS

1. Select your role. No more than five people in the class may share the same role.
2. Visit Web resources listed below to find information about your character.
3. Research the role you have chosen including the following focus questions:

•               What is your name? Your family background?
•               What city and state are you from?  Are you for the North or South?
•               What work are you doing in the Civil War?  What tools do you use?
•               Why do you think this work is important?
•               What beliefs form your support of your side of the war?

      4.  Write a one week (7 days) journal of your life in 1863.  List all resources you    use during  your research -- web sites, books, encyclopedias, videos, etc.

RESOURCES

Each of these will have information about your role.  Do not stop with just one.  Look at three, minimum.  Make notes so you can tell where you found your information.

Home Page: American Memory from the Library of Congress

Civil War Index Page

The American Civil War Homepage

The Civil War Circuit

DUE DATE: Friday May 12^th

Edited from format originally created by Janet Scott and Lisa Engelhardt of Plainfield, IN, Community Schools.

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