Lesson by Kathy White
Essay by Gary W. Gallagher, University of Virginia
Grade Level: 6–8
Number of Class Periods: 2
Primary Era: Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877
About This Lesson Plan Unit
The two lessons in this unit explore the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. Students will read a letter and a speech by Abraham Lincoln and a letter by Robert E. Lee providing two leaders’ assessments of the battle and examine two photographs taken after the battle. You will assess student comprehension by asking them to summarize the main ideas in the texts and images and respond to one of the Essential Questions.
Lesson Plan Author: Kathy White
Historical Background Essay by: Gary W. Gallagher, University of Virginia
Additional Information About This Unit
Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7: Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
What are points of agreement in Abraham Lincoln’s and Robert E. Lee’s descriptions of the Battle of Gettysburg?
What claims did Civil War photographers make about the Battle of Gettysburg, war, and war’s consequences?
How did both Union and Confederate leaders judge the importance and success of the Battle of Gettysburg?
Documents
Documents
Letter from President Lincoln to General George G. Meade, July 14, 1863
Letter from Robert E. Lee to His Wife, Mary Lee, July 12, 1863
Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863
Timothy O’Sullivan, photographer, “A Harvest of Death, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,” July 1863, published in Gardner’s Photographic Sketch Book of the War, vol. 1, 1865–1866
Alexander Gardner, photographer, “Home of a Rebel Sharpshooter, Gettysburg,” July 1863, published in Gardner’s Photographic Sketch Book of the War, vol. 1, 1865–1866