EPISODE 5: CIVIL WAR
INTRODUCTION
America reached a crossroads as the Civil War intensified. Strict
discipline and advances such as the minie ball bullet have welded
General Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army into a formidable force.
Lee’s victory at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August of 1862
leads him to within 20 miles of Washington and President Abraham
Lincoln realizes that the Union could lose the war.
But the tide turns during a series of pivotal events that advance the
Union forces. Following the battle of Antietam, the bloodiest ever on
American soil, Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863,
freeing slaves forever; former slaves join the Union army in droves.
With the help of the telegraph and President Lincoln’s unwavering
attention to the tactics of battle, the industrial capacity of the North
is harnessed.
The Battle at Gettysburg and Sherman’s March to the Sea are among
key turning points leading to Union victory. The industrial might
which sees the Union prevail now leaves America poised to expand
its reach across North America and take the stage as a world power.
TERMS TO KNOW:
Before or after watching this episode,
encourage students to define and
review the terms below. Students
may also want to make their own
lists of new vocabulary words and
identification terms as they watch.
Cavalier
Chloroform
De facto
Emancipation
Invincibility
Minie ball
Munitions
Ploughshares
Pragmatist
Telegraph
America The Story of Us is useful for American
History, Social Studies, and Media courses. It is
appropriate for 7th grade students and above,
and is an excellent resource for professional
development.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How did the invention of the minie ball bullet shape the Civil War? What were
some other important inventions that aected the course of the war?
2. Who was Clara Barton, and why was she significant?
3. How did the telegraph help the Union side achieve victory in the Civil War?
4. When was the Emancipation Proclamation signed, and how did it shape
the Civil War?
5. What were three outcomes of the Battle of Gettysburg? Why is Gettysburg
still remembered as a turning point in the Civil War?
6. How many casualties were there in the Civil War? How do these numbers
compare with other American wars?
AMERICA THE STORY OF US Episode 5: Civil War
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1. What is the main purpose of Gooding’s letter to Lincoln? Why
was he upset?
2. Do you think it was a brave decision for Gooding to write to
Lincoln? What do you think the results of his letter might have
been?
The following letter was written to President
Abraham Lincoln by James Henry Gooding, a black
corporal who had served in the 54th Massachusetts,
the famed African American Civil War regiment.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Primary Source:
Camp of 54th Mass Colored Regt
Morris Island Dept of the South, Sept. 28th1863.
Your Excelency Abraham Lincoln:
Your Excelency will pardon the presumtion of an humble
individual like myself, in addressing you. but the earnest Solicitation
of my Comrades in Arms, besides the genuine interest felt by myself
in the matter is my excuse, for placing before the Executive head of
the Nation our Common Grievance: On the 6th of the last Month, the
Paymaster of the department, informed us, that if we would decide to
recieve the sum of $10 (ten dollars) per month, he would come and pay
us that sum, but, that, on the sitting of Congress, the Regt would, in
his opinion, be allowed the other 3 (three.)...Now the main question is.
Are we Soldiers, or are we LABOURERS.
We are fully armed, and equipped, have done all the various Duties,
pertaining to a Soldiers life, have conducted ourselves, to the complete
satisfaction of General Ofcers, who, were if any, prejudiced against
us, but who now accord us all the encouragement, and honour due us:
have shared the perils, and Labour, of Reducing the rst stronghold,
that aunted a Traitor Flag: and more, Mr President. Today, the Anglo
Saxon Mother, Wife, or Sister, are not alone, in tears for departed
Sons, Husbands, and Brothers. The patient Trusting Decendants of
Africs Clime, have dyed the ground with blood, in defense of the Union,
and Democracy. . . Now Your Excellency, We have done a Soldiers Duty.
Why cant we have a Soldiers pay?. . . If you, as chief Magistrate of
the Nation, will assure us, of our whole pay.
We are content, our Patriotism, our enthusiasm will have a new
impetus, to exert our energy more and more to aid Our Country. Not
that our hearts ever agged, in Devotion, spite the evident apathy
displayed in our behalf, but We feel as though, our Country spurned
us, now we are sworn to serve her.
Please give this a moments attention.
Corporal James Henry Gooding
Co. C. 54th Mass. Regt
Morris Island S.C.
FURTHER EXPLORATIONS:
What else was going on during this time period?
Explore the sites below to learn more about the
era of U.S. history covered in this episode.
Learn about photography during the
Civil War era
www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/phcw/hd_
phcw.htm
Images and background on the African
American 54th Mass. Regiment
www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_
originals/54thmass.html
Native Americans in the West
http://historytogo.utah.gov/utah_chapters/
american_indians/uteindians.html
Mormon settlement in Utah
www.utah.com/cities/slc_history.htm
PLACES TO VISIT:
Interested in what you saw in this episode?
Visiting historic sites is a great way for teachers,
students, and families to learn more about the
past. Explore these historic sites, or look for
local historic sites in your town or city to visit.
Gettysburg National Military Park
www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm
Clara Barton National Visitor Site
(Maryland)
www.nps.gov/clba/index.htm
Vicksburg National Military Park
www.nps.gov/vick/index.htm
Antietam National Battlefield Park
www.nps.gov/anti/index.htm
AMERICA THE STORY OF US Episode 5: Civil War
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