Download Compare and Contrast the Battle of Gettysburg

Lesson Title: Compare and Contrast Civil War battles: The Battle of Gettysburg/The Battle of
Gloreitta Pass
Grade Level: 7th
Source: Use of internet to research the Battle of Gettysburg. New Mexico History book to read
about the Battle of Glorietta Pass
Standards to be addressed :Social Studies: STRAND I (No CCSS available as of
6/6/12): History
Content Standard I: Students are able to identify important people and events in order to
analyze significant patterns, relationships, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in New
Mexico, United States, and world history in order to understand the complexity of the
human experience. Students will:
5-8 Benchmark 1-A. New Mexico: explore and explain how people and events have influenced
the development of New Mexico up to the present day.
Body of Lesson:
Background and Facts: Battle of Gettysburg
Location: In the hills just south Gettysburg, PA., approximately 65 miles north of Washington,
DC; 125 miles west of Philadelphia, PA.
Date: July 1 - 3, 1863
Outcome: Union victory
Casualties: Over 52,000 (22,000 Union and 30,000 Confederate)
Significance:
The Battle of Gettysburg was the biggest battle ever fought on U.S. soil. For three bloody days
massed Confederate troops struggled with entrenched Union forces along Missionary Ridge. For
once, Union forces under General Meade demonstrated resilience and fighting spirit defending
their home soil, while the Confederate commanders under Robert E. Lee appeared hesitant and
indecisive.
Gettysburg marked the crest of the “high water mark” of Confederate hopes for independence
and foreign recognition, which were dashed by the Confederate defeat. However, as Lee
withdrew his battered and decimated troops, the Union leadership yet again failed to strike a fatal
blow to the Confederates. Nevertheless, Robert E. Lee would never again threaten the North and
would entrench in a losing war of attrition as the action shifted west to places like Chickamauga
and Chattanooga.
Background and Facts: Battle of Glorieta Pass
Location: Northern New Mexico Territory in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Date: March 26 to 28, 1862
Outcome: Union Victory
Significances: Decisive battle of the New Mexico Campaign during the American Civil War. It
was dubbed the “Gettysburg of the West.” It was the intended as the killer blow by the
Confederates forces to break the Union possession of the West along the base of the Rocky
Mountains. Although the Confederate army was able to push the Union forces back through the
pass, they were forced to retreat when their supply train was destroyed and their horses and
mules were killed or driven off. Without provisions the Confederate army was forced to retreat.
Glorieta Pass represented the peak of the western campaign by turning back the Confederates
and keeping them from advancing west into the gold fields of California and Colorado.
Introduction: Students will read and discuss the Battle of Glorieta Pass and how New Mexico
played a vital part in stopping the Confederates from advancing west to the Pacific Ocean.
Hook to Engage Students: Students will watch the film Gettysburg after reading about the New
Mexico contributions to the Civil War effort.
Questions (4-5 thought-provoking questions to stimulate discussion or prepare students for
a written assignment):
1. Why was it so important to stop the Confederate army from advancing west?
2. Why was it important for the Confederates to take over the west?
3. What were some of the resources that the Confederates were after?
4. The Confederate Army actually won the battle, but what caused them to retreat?
5. Who were the real heroes of the battle?
Activity to Compliment Lesson: On poster board have students draw a Venn diagram
comparing and contrasting the two battles.
Lesson Assessment/Wrap-up: Have students present to the class. Students will then cut, and
decorate their project (using Civil War memorabilia) to display in the hall and in the classroom.
Homework: If the internet is available students need to Google and read about the Battle of
Gettysburg
Reflection on Lesson Presentation: Have students display their work in the hall and classroom.