The Artios Home Companion Series Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One
Teacher Overview
Robert E. Lee was the most famous general for the Confederacy and Ulysses S. Grant was the same for the Union army. The Battle of Gettysburg proved to be a crushing blow to Lee’s Confederate forces and led to the surrender of other Confederate strongholds and a quick surrender to Ulysses S. Grant and the Union army at Appomattox Court House.
Key People, Places, and Events Robert E. Lee Jefferson Davis General McClellan Stonewall Jackson J.E.B. Stuart Battle of Gettysburg General Meade Ulysses S. Grant Vocabulary Lesson 1: loyalty secede
The Battle of Fort Sumter Lesson 2: martial
Lesson 3: resolute
Reading and Assignments In this unit, students will: Complete three lessons in which they will learn about Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart, the battle of Gettysburg, and Ulysses S. Grant, journaling and answering discussion questions as they read. Define vocabulary words. Complete biography notebook pages on Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart, and Ulysses S. Grant. Be sure to make note of the character qualities that made each man great. Conduct research on the Battle of Gettysburg. Visit www.ArtiosHCS.com for additional resources.
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 36 Leading Ideas Honesty is a character quality to be desired. Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good. — Proverbs 20:23
The Bible provides the ethics upon which to judge people and nations. — Exodus 20:1-17
God is sovereign over the affairs of men. And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place. — Acts 17:26
Battle of Gettysburg, by Currier and Ives
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 37 L e s s o n O n e
History Overview and Assignments Robert E. Lee
One of the ablest generals commanding the Confederate troops was Robert E. Lee. Having been educated and prepared for leadership at West Point Academy, Robert E. Lee was uniquely qualified and gifted for his leadership role with the Confederate forces during the Civil War.
Reading and Assignments
Review the discussion questions and vocabulary, then read the article: Robert E. Lee. Narrate about today’s reading using the appropriate notebook page. Be sure to answer the discussion questions and include key people, events, and dates within the narration. Define the vocabulary words in the context of the reading and put the word and its definition in the vocabulary section of your history notebook. Locate each event described in today’s article on a map. Complete a biography page for Robert E. Lee. Robert E. Lee Be sure to visit www.ArtiosHCS.com for additional resources. General McClellan
Key People, Places, and Events Vocabulary Robert E. Lee loyalty Jefferson Davis secede
Discussion Questions 1. Why did Lee go with Virginia when this 2. Tell as much as you can about Robert E. state seceded? Lee.
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 38 Adapted for Middle School from the book: Stories of Later American History by Wilbur F. Gordy Robert E. Lee
Having followed a few of the leading He was born in Virginia, January 19, 1807, events in the remarkable career of our his father being the Revolutionary general martyr president, let us turn our thoughts to known as “Light-Horse Harry.” Although the Civil War, through which it was the records of his boyhood days are scanty, Lincoln’s great work to guide us as a nation. we know that when little Robert was about It was a struggle that tested the manhood, four years old the Lees removed from quite as much as the resources, of the Stratford to Alexandria, in order to educate warring sections, and each side might well their children. Here the boy was prepared be proud of the bravery and skill of its for West Point Academy, which he entered officers and soldiers. Certainly each side when he was eighteen. At this military had among its generals some of the greatest school he made such a good record as a military leaders of all time. student that he was graduated second in his One of the ablest generals commanding class. the Confederate troops was Robert E. Lee.
Map of Confederate territory losses year by year
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 39 At the outbreak of the Civil War he was In 1862, the second year of the war, Lee so highly esteemed as an officer in the took command of the leading Confederate United States Army that he would have been army in Virginia. General McClellan, who appointed commander of the Union armies commanded a large Union army, had been if he had been willing to accept the position. trying to capture Richmond, the capital of He loved the Union and was opposed to the Confederate states. After fighting a secession, but when Virginia, his native series of battles, he approached so close to state, seceded he felt that it was his duty to Richmond that his soldiers could see the go with her. spires of the churches. But as the city was His struggle in making the decision was strongly fortified he retreated to the James a painful one, as was made plain in a letter River. During this retreat, which lasted a he wrote to a sister, then living in Baltimore. week, were fought what were known as the “With all my devotion to the Union,” he “Seven Days’ Battles.”
said, “and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home. I know you will blame me, but you must think as kindly of me as you can, and believe that I have endeavored to do what I thought right.” Soon after he decided that he must go with Virginia in the great struggle which was to follow, he accepted the command of the Virginia state forces, and within a year Jefferson Davis from that time became military advisor to Having thus saved Richmond from Jefferson Davis, who was president of the capture, Lee marched north into Maryland, Confederacy. expecting the people to rise and join his forces. But they were loyal to the Union and refused. The terrible battle of Antietam or Sharpsburg was fought (September, 1862), and Lee was obliged to retreat to Virginia. A few months later (December, 1862), Lee repulsed an attack of the Union army at Fredericksburg with fearful slaughter, and in the following May he won a victory at Chancellorsville. Lee’s home at Arlington, Virginia
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 40 L e s s o n T w o
History Overview and Assignments Stonewall Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart, and the Battle of Gettysburg
Lee’s most effective helper was General Thomas J. Jackson, also known as “Stonewall” Jackson. Another of Lee’s able helps was General J.E.B. Stuart. Both of these men were highly regarded and respected by their men and inspired loyalty in their troops. The Battle of Gettysburg proved to be a crushing blow to the Lee’s Confederate forces and led to the surrender of other Confederate strongholds.
Reading and Assignments
Review the discussion questions and vocabulary, then read the article: Stonewall Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Narrate about today’s reading using the appropriate notebook page. Be sure to answer the discussion questions and include key people, events, and dates within the narration. Define the vocabulary word in the context of the reading and put the word and its definition in the vocabulary section of your history notebook. Complete biography pages on Stonewall Jackson and J.E.B. Stuart. Locate each event described in today’s article on a map. General Stone Wall Jackson Be sure to visit www.ArtiosHCS.com for additional resources.
Key People, Places, and Events Vocabulary Stonewall Jackson martial J.E.B. Stuart Battle of Gettysburg General Meade
Discussion Questions 1. Tell as much as you can about 2. Tell as much as you can about J.E.B. Stonewall Jackson. Stuart.
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 41 Adapted for Middle School from the book: Stories of Later American History by Wilbur F. Gordy “Stonewall” Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart, Gettysburg
“Stonewall” Jackson their own soldiers, and Jackson was In all these battles Lee’s most effective mortally wounded. His death was a great helper was General Thomas J. Jackson, loss to the Southern army. “Stonewall” Jackson, as he was called. Jackson won his nickname at the Battle of Bull Run. One of the Confederate generals, who was trying to hearten his retreating men, cried out to them: “See, there is Jackson, standing like a stone wall! Rally ’round the Virginians!” From that hour of heroism he was known as Stonewall Jackson, and for his bravery in this battle he was made a major-general. He was such a stubborn fighter, and so furious in his enthusiasm, that “his soldiers marched to death when he bade them. What was even harder, they marched at the double-quick through Virginia mud, without shoes, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson without food, without sleep.” They cheerfully did his bidding because they J.E.B. Stuart loved him. The sight of his old uniform and Another of General Lee’s very able scrawny sorrel horse always stirred the helpers was General James Ewell Brown hearts of his followers. Stuart. He wrote his name J.E.B. Stuart, so Jackson was a deeply religious man. In his admirers called him “Jeb.” spirit he was so devout that it caused him He was absolutely fearless. “He would great regret to march or to fight on a attack anything anywhere,” and he inspired Sunday. his men with the same zeal. He was noted He was devoted to Lee and placed the for falling into dangerous situations and greatest confidence in him. “He is the only then cleverly getting himself out. His men man I would follow blindfold,” he said, and were used to this. They trusted him on his deathbed he exclaimed: “Better that completely and without question. They ten Jacksons should fall than one Lee!” loved him, too, for his good comradeship. Stonewall Jackson was shot at the battle For although he preserved the strictest of Chancellorsville, but not by the enemy. discipline, he frolicked with his officers like He and his escort had ridden out beyond his a boy, playing at snowballs, or marbles, or line of battle, where, being mistaken for the whatever they chose, and enjoying it all enemy, they were fired upon by some of heartily.
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 42 struck down near Richmond, in 1864, while leading an attack against Sheridan.
Confederate soldiers J.E.B. Stuart He died when he was only thirty-one, He was so fond of martial music that he deeply mourned by all his men. kept his banjo-player, Sweeney, always with him, and worked in his tent to the cheerful Gettysburg accompaniment of his favorite songs, now But to return to General Lee. After and then leaning back to laugh and join in winning the two important battles of the choruses. Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, he His mirthful spirit found expression also decided that he would again invade the in the clothes he wore. Listen to this North (1863). He believed that a great description of him: “His fighting jacket victory north of the Potomac River might shone with dazzling buttons and was lead to the capture of Philadelphia and covered with gold braid; his hat was looped Washington and thus end the war. up with a golden star and decorated with a Having marched boldly into black ostrich plume; his fine buff gauntlets Pennsylvania, he met the Union army under reached to the elbow; around his waist was General Meade at the little town of tied a splendid yellow sash, and his spurs Gettysburg, not far from the southern were pure gold.” These spurs, of which he border of the state. There for three days the was immensely proud, were a gift from most terrible battle of the war, and in its Baltimore women. His battle-flag was a results, one of the greatest battles of all gorgeous red one, which he insisted upon history, took place. After three days of keeping with him, although it often drew the fighting, in which the loss on both sides was enemy’s fire. fearful, Lee was defeated and forced to Stuart was very proud of his men and retreat to Virginia. their pluck. He knew by name every man in The defeat of Lee’s army at Gettysburg the first brigade. was a crushing blow to the hopes of the It was his strong desire that he might South. Lee himself felt this to be true. And, meet his death while leading a cavalry grieving over the heavy loss of his men in charge, and he got his wish, for he was the famous Pickett’s Charge, he said to one
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 43 of his generals: “All this has been my fault. It is I that have lost this fight, and you must help me out of it the best you can.” But even in the face of this defeat his officers and soldiers still trusted their commander. They said: “Uncle Robert will get us into Washington yet.” But the surrender of another division of the army, fighting far away on the Mississippi River, added defeat to defeat. For the day following the battle of Gettysburg, General Grant captured Vicksburg, the greatest Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. The Union soldiers South could no longer hope for victory.
Stonewall Jackson, by David Bendann
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 44 Lesson Three
History Overview and Assignments Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant through his skill and leadership during the Civil War captured Vicksburg and won the confidence of the people and of President Lincoln.
Discussion Questions 1. What kind of boy was Grant? What kind of man? 2. What do you admire about him? 3. Tell as much as you can about Grant.
Vocabulary resolute
Key People, Places, and Events
Ulysses S. Grant Ulysses S. Grant
Reading and Assignments Review the discussion questions and vocabulary, then read the article: Ulysses S. Grant Narrate about today’s reading using the appropriate notebook page. Be sure to answer the discussion questions and include key people, events, and dates within the narration. Define the vocabulary word in the context of the reading and put the word and its definition in the vocabulary section of your history notebook. Complete a biographical notebook page on Ulysses S. Grant. Be sure to visit www.ArtiosHCS.com for additional resources.
Adapted for Middle School from the book: Stories of Later American History by Wilbur F. Gordy Ulysses S. Grant
Before going on with the story of the war, He was born in a humble dwelling at let us pause for a little in order to catch a Point Pleasant, Ohio, in April, 1822. The glimpse of Ulysses S. Grant, the remarkable year following his birth the family moved to man who was the greatest general the North Georgetown, Ohio, where they lived many produced throughout the war. years.
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 45 The father of Ulysses was a farmer and service. Soon he gave striking evidence of manufacturer of leather. The boy did not that fearless bravery for which he was later like the leather business, but he did like to become noted on the battlefields of the work on the farm. When only seven years Civil War. old, he hauled all the wood which was needed in the home and at the leather factory from the forest, a mile from the village. From the age of eleven to seventeen, according to his own story as told in his “Personal Memoirs,” he ploughed the soil, cultivated the growing corn and potatoes, sawed firewood, and did any other work a farmer boy might be expected to do. He had Grant’s birthplace, Point Pleasant, Ohio his good times also, fishing, swimming in the creek not far from his home, driving At the close of the Mexican War, Grant about the country, and skating with other resigned from the army and engaged in boys. farming and business until the outbreak of He liked horses and early became a the Civil War. skillful rider. A story is told of him which With the news that the Southern troops indicates not only that he was a good had fired on the flag at Fort Sumter, Grant’s horseman, but that he had “bulldog grit” as patriotism was aroused. Without delay he well. One day when he was at a circus, the rejoined the army and at once took an active manager offered a silver dollar to anyone part in getting ready for the war. First as who could ride a certain mule around the colonel, and then as brigadier-general, he ring. Several persons, one after the other, led his troops, and his powers as a leader mounted the animal, only to be thrown over quickly developed. its head. Young Ulysses was among those The first of his achievements was the who offered to ride, but, like the others, he capture of Forts Henry and Donelson in failed. Then, pulling off his coat, he got on Tennessee, the center of a strong the animal again. Wrapping his legs firmly Confederate line of defense. At Fort around the mule’s body and seizing it by the Donelson he received the surrender of tail, Ulysses rode in triumph around the nearly fifteen thousand prisoners, and by ring amid the cheers of the crowd. his great victory compelled the Although he cared little for study, his Confederates to abandon two of their father wished to give him all the advantages important strongholds, Columbus and of a good education and secured for him an Nashville. appointment to West Point. After After the loss of Fort Donelson the graduating, he wished to leave the army and Confederates fell back to a second line of become an instructor in mathematics at his defense and took position at Corinth. alma mater. But, as the Mexican War broke General Grant’s army was at Pittsburg out about that time, he entered active Landing, eighteen miles away; not far off
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 46 was the village of Shiloh, from which the Vicksburg was so strongly defended that battle is now generally named. Here, early the Confederates believed it could not be on Sunday morning (April 6, 1862), Grant taken. A resolute effort to capture it was was attacked by Johnston, and his men were made by General Grant in 1863. After a driven back a mile and a half toward the campaign employing brilliant strategy by river. which he got around the defenses, he laid
siege to the city itself. For seven weeks the Confederate army held out. During that time the people of Vicksburg sought refuge from the enemy’s shells in caves and cellars, their only food at times consisting of rats and mule flesh. But on July 4, 1863, the day after General Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg, Vicksburg surrendered to General Grant. Four days later Port Hudson, some distance below, was captured, and thus the last stronghold of the Mississippi came under control of the North. General Grant had become the hero of the Northern army. His success was in no
small measure due to his dogged General and Mrs. Grant with their son perseverance. While his army was laying at City Point, Virginia siege to Vicksburg, a Confederate woman, at It was a fearful battle, lasting until nearly whose door he stopped to ask for a drink of dark. Not until after midnight was Grant water, inquired whether he expected ever to able to rest, and then, sitting in the rain with capture Vicksburg. “Certainly,” he replied. his back against the foot of a tree, he slept a “But when?” was the next question. Quickly few hours before the renewal of battle on came the answer: “I cannot tell exactly when Monday morning. With reinforcements he I shall take the town, but I mean to stay here was able on the second day to drive the till I do, if it takes me thirty years.” enemy off the field and win a signal victory. General Grant having by his capture of By this battle Grant broke the Vicksburg won the confidence of the people, Confederates’ second line of defense. President Lincoln, in 1864, put him in Although they fought bravely and well to command of all the Union armies of the prevent the Union troops from gaining East and the West. In presenting the new control of the Mississippi River, by the close commission, Lincoln addressed him in of 1862 the South had lost every stronghold these words: “As the country herein trusts on the river except Port Hudson and you, so, under God, it will sustain you.” Vicksburg.
Modern: Middle School Unit 3: The Civil War, Part One Page 47