Download Civil War Pictures Questions

President Lincoln Visits Antietam
Historical Background Information
President Abraham Lincoln paid an unexpected visit to Sharpsburg, Maryland, on the first of October,
1862. In his three days there, President Lincoln reviewed the troops and saw the Antietam battlefield for
himself. The fierce battle had taken place over two weeks before his visit and had cost both sides
thousands of casualties. While visiting the battlefield, Lincoln met with the commander of the Army of
the Potomac, General George McClellan. In the two weeks since the battle, General McClellan had not
pursued and forced a fight with the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, and the President meant to
insist McClellan take the necessary action.
Analyzing History
Historical Writing
Knowledge
Describe the people in the picture. What are they doing? Which
person is McClellan? What do you notice about Lincoln?
Fiction
Assume you are the
photographer who took this
picture. Write a diary entry
about what you saw and how it
affected you.
Comprehension
Does this appear to be a posed picture or a candid shot? How would
you describe the camp conditions? What do you think the soldiers
had been doing since the battle ended two weeks earlier? Is there
any difference between the soldiers on the left and those on the
right?
Application
The president and general are facing each other. What does their
body language tell you about their meeting? What seems unusual
about a president visiting an army camp to talk directly to a general?
Analysis
Contrast this battle at Antietam with the battles at Gettysburg and
Cold Harbor. Contrast the battle casualties, the battle strategies, and
the winning sides.
Synthesis
Predict what happened directly after this photographed meeting took
place. Then, research to find out if there are any descriptions of the
president’s visit.
Evaluation
Assume you are President Lincoln. Defend your decision to have
General McClellan plow ahead and force a battle with Lee’s southern
troops.
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Nonfiction
Defend or refute the following
statement: Even though
Antietam was a tactical draw,
the battle was a major turning
point in the war.
History Challenges
Find out General Lee’s reasons
for invading the North. For an
extra challenge, try to locate
Lee’s Proclamation to the
People of Maryland explaining
his invasion. What was he
trying to do with this invasion?
Did he accomplish his goal?
Read what happened to
McClellan after this meeting.
What was his military future?
#3920 Exploring History Through Primary Sources—Civil War
Union Balloon Ascension
Historical Background Information
Hydrogen-filled balloons were becoming more predictable in the mid-1800s, and several men proposed
using them for scientific experiments and for observation missions in the Civil War. Two men, Thaddeus
Lowe and John LaMountain, competed for the right to have a Union army contract. Lowe won the
endorsement and was assigned to lead the Balloon Corps, a civilian organization that would serve under
the supervision of the Union’s Bureau of Topographical Engineers. His corps participated in several
battles by sending telegraphic messages back to the base regarding the Confederate positions. The
aeronauts also drew maps of troop movement. The Corps lasted from 1862–1863 and was terminated
when General McClellan, their supporter, was relieved of duty.
Analyzing History
Historical Writing
Knowledge
What do these men appear to be doing? What
year was this photo taken? Who took the photo?
Fiction
Assume the role of Thaddeus Lowe. Write a
formal letter to the new Union commander who
replaced McClellan and state your case for keeping
the Balloon Corps as a military unit.
Comprehension
What appears to be the use of the thick cables or
hoses?
Application
Using the picture and background information,
write a short news report on witnessing a balloon
ascension in 1862.
Analysis
Compare and contrast the use of balloons by the
Union and the use of balloons by the
Confederacy.
Synthesis
Create a dialogue. The scene is Lowe and
Lincoln meeting at the White House to discuss
the use of balloons in war-time spying.
Evaluation
Why do you think the Balloon Corps lost its
popularity and did not impress the new general
replacing McClellan?
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Nonfiction
Defend or refute the following statement by using
facts and logic: The continued use of the Balloon
Corps by the Union could have brought about a
more rapid series of victories and ended the war
much earlier.
History Challenge
Search resource materials to answer these
questions:
• Why did balloon aerostats stop using
hydrogen as a fuel source?
• What did they use for a new fuel source?
• What is the fuel source used today for
recreational balloons?
#3920 Exploring History Through Primary Sources—Civil War
Ruins of Charleston
Historical Background Information
This photo of Charleston, South Carolina, was taken after Union troops had spent eighteen months
shelling the city from their fort location on Morris Island. Charleston was only one of many southern
cities that were destroyed after the northern armies invaded the South. The huge northern victories of
Gettysburg and Vicksburg were considered the turning point of the war. The destruction of the southern
cities was one of the prices paid by the southerners for seceding from the Union.
Analyzing History
Historical Writing
Knowledge
Describe the buildings in the picture. What is
the damage done to each?
Fiction
Assume you are a citizen of Charleston. Write a
story telling about your experiences during the
bombing of your city.
Comprehension
What do you notice that tells you this was once a
thriving beautiful city? From what vantage point
was this picture taken?
Application
Compare this photo to photos of World War IIera London. What is similar and what is
different?
Analysis
Why do you think the Union’s strategy was to
destroy southern cities and buildings, rather than
just conduct engagements on battlefields? How
did this policy add to the problems during the
Reconstruction era?
Nonfiction
Defend or refute the following statement: To beat
the Confederate troops in South Carolina, it was
not necessary to completely devastate the city of
Charleston. All this accomplished was adding to
the hatred of the Yankees after the war.
History Challenge
Research what hurricane devastation Charleston has
faced during the last 50 years. Why could one say
that the citizens of this city are accustomed to
rebuilding?
Synthesis
Compose a short eulogy for the city of
Charleston, South Carolina.
Evaluation
Assume you are the Union general who controls
Morris Island. The leaders of Charleston have
refused to surrender. Defend your decision to
continue to shell Charleston.
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#3920 Exploring History Through Primary Sources—Civil War
Drummer Boy
Historical Background Information
Fiddlers, fifers, and drummers had a unique place in the Civil War. Boys as young as nine left their
homes to take up instruments and join in the swelling war on both the northern and southern sides. Child
labor laws did not yet protect young boys and many toiled in factories and fields. Running off to join the
army was an adventure of a lifetime which, in many cases, turned from glory to a nightmare. After the
Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln decided to accept African Americans into the army. The Bureau of
Colored Troops was created and General Lorenzo Thomas was sent to the Mississippi Valley where he
raised 76,000 Black troops. A reasonable assumption is that this photo is from the 78th U.S. Colored
Infantry that was organized April 4, 1864.
Analyzing History
Historical Writing
Knowledge
What side of the Civil War was this boy serving? How
old do you guess he may be?
Fiction
Imagine that the young boy in this photo
served at a major battle. Describe his duties
and what may have happened to him. Use
facts from the battle to make your writing
credible.
Comprehension
Describe the possible setting for the photo and your
overall impression of the photo. Why do you think this
photo was chosen for you to study?
Nonfiction
Write a letter to the editor of a New York
City newspaper stating your objections to
young boys serving in the line of duty as
military musicians. Remember to put
yourself into that era and its social situation.
Application
Develop a possible daily schedule for this young
drummer boy. Include times and reasons for drum calls.
Analysis
In what ways were the experiences of the White and the
African-American drummer boys similar and in what
ways were they different?
History Challenge
Synthesis
Research about drummer boys in the Revolutionary War.
What was similar to the Civil War drummer boys’
experiences?
Assuming the role of a genealogist, use the
National Park Service website listed below
to find the names of all the drummers in the
78th Regiment and try to determine who
this young boy may be.
http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/regiments.htm
Evaluation
Why do you think Frederick Douglass and other
Abolitionists supported the creation of Colored Troops
to fight on the side of the Union army?
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#3920 Exploring History Through Primary Sources—Civil War
Burial at Cold Harbor
Historical Background Information
The Battle of Cold Harbor claimed 15,500 lives—13,000 were Union soldiers and 2,500 were Confederate
soldiers. As one of the bloodiest battles of the war, burial crews like the one in this picture were busy
cleaning up the battlefield. During the war, the burial crews had the gruesome task of gathering the dead
soldiers and preparing them for burial or to be sent home to loved ones. Although not a job filled with
glory, it was a very important job to the army. This particular battle was so terrible, that in the final day
of the battle, Union soldiers wrote their names on pieces of paper and pinned them on their uniforms so
that their next of kin could be notified of their deaths.
Analyzing History
Historical Writing
Knowledge
Describe the people in the picture. What tools do
they have to use? What is the condition of the bodies
to be buried?
Fiction
As a member of the burial team, write a letter
home to your family describing what you saw
at the Battle of Cold Harbor and how it
affected you.
Comprehension
Knowing that there are thousands to be buried, what
seems odd about this picture? Can you determine
when you think this photo was taken—right after the
battle or much later?
Application
Which side, North or South, is this burial team
representing? Describe why you chose the northern
or southern side.
Analysis
Compare and contrast the Battle of Cold Harbor with
the Battle of Gettysburg and/or the siege at Vicksburg.
Include the battle casualties and the battle strategies in
your analysis.
Nonfiction
Defend or refute the following statement: The
failure by Grant at Cold Harbor was a
positive turning point in Grant’s military
career.
History Challenge
Research what the cemetery at Cold Harbor is
like today and who is responsible for its care
and upkeep.
Synthesis
Compose a short eulogy for the dead at Cold Harbor
that is similar in tone to the Gettysburg Address.
Evaluation
Assume you are General Grant. Defend your decision
to plow ahead with this battle.
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#3920 Exploring History Through Primary Sources—Civil War
General Ulysses S. Grant
Historical Background Information
Ulysses S. Grant served as the commander of the victorious Union Army during the final years of the
Civil War. After his incredible courage and leadership at the siege of Vicksburg, President Lincoln asked
him to assume command of the northern armies. As a soldier, Grant demonstrated energy, courage,
determination, confidence, and a fighting spirit. Through his bravery and his military decisions, he gained
the confidence of the soldiers on the line and the president. This photo was taken in June 1864, at Cold
Harbor near Richmond. Six thousand northern troops died in this battle fought against General Lee’s
forces. This battle caused General Grant to rethink his strategies. When this picture was taken, Grant had
lost approximately 55,000 men in one month.
Analyzing History
Historical Writing
Knowledge
Describe what Grant is wearing. What is the
setting? How old was Grant in this photo?
Fiction
Assume the role of a reporter for a St. Louis
newspaper. Write an interview with General Grant on
the day that Lincoln asked him to serve as commander
of the Union Army.
Comprehension
How is this photograph the same or different
from other photographs and paintings you’ve
seen of General Grant?
Nonfiction
Write a summary of the Battle of Cold Harbor and
describe Grant’s mistakes.
Application
Knowing that this photo was taken at Cold
Harbor, does it appear to be taken before or
after the battle? Why or why not?
Analysis
Why do you think Grant allowed this photo to
be taken? Why did the photographer want to
take this photo?
Synthesis
Why do you think Lincoln chose Grant as the
commander of the northern forces?
History Challenge
Historical controversy exists as to whether Grant
drank excessively while a general and a president.
Some say he was the victim of rumors and critics who
wanted to discredit him, others say he was an
alcoholic. Research to determine the various
opinions. Write a list of facts presented on both sides
of the issue. What is your conclusion?
Evaluation
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages
that Grant had in this war because he had been
trained at the same school as Lee.
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#3920 Exploring History Through Primary Sources—Civil War
General Robert E. Lee
Historical Background Information
General Robert E. Lee served as the commander of the Confederate Army during much of the Civil War.
People from both the southern and northern sides of the conflict respected him during and after the war.
Lee was respected not only for his incredible abilities as a general, but also for his character. He chose
not to smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or use profane language. He believed that “duty” was the most
important word in the English language. Lee gave the appearance of dignity and calm even in the most
difficult of times. This photo was taken shortly after the Civil War ended by the famous Civil War
photographer, Mathew Brady.
Analyzing History
Historical Writing
Knowledge
Describe what Lee is wearing. Where was this
photo taken? How old was Lee in this photo?
Fiction
Assume the role of a reporter for a Virginia
newspaper. Write an interview with Robert E. Lee on
the day he agreed to serve as commander of the Army
of Northern Virginia.
Comprehension
How is this photograph the same or different
from other photographs and paintings you’ve
seen of General Lee?
Application
Knowing that this photo was taken shortly
after Lee surrendered, does this photo appear
to be of a defeated general? Why or why not?
Analysis
Why do you think Lee allowed this photo to
be taken? Why did Brady want to take this
photo?
Synthesis
How was Lee treated by the northerners after
the war? Did he face any criminal
proceedings?
Nonfiction
Defend or refute the following statement: If General
Robert E. Lee had been given access to the same
supplies, number of troops, and resources as the
North, he would have won the war.
History Challenges
Research what happened to Lee’s two sons who also
served in the Civil War.
Find out why General Lee chose to fight for the South
when he was offered a commission in the Union
Army. Was it an easy choice? What would you have
done in his place?
Evaluation
Using the background information page and/or
other research, write a short tribute to Lee
from a southern or northern viewpoint.
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#3920 Exploring History Through Primary Sources—Civil War
The Presidential Box at
Ford’s Theatre
Historical Background Information
The Presidential Box at Ford’s Theatre was located on stage right and was designed for excellent viewing.
John Wilkes Booth, a popular actor at the theatre, knew he could gain access to the presidential box.
Unfortunately, on the evening of April 14, 1865, the presidential bodyguard left his post and Booth was
able to easily enter the box. Booth shot the president and stabbed the president’s guest, Major Henry
Rathbone. Booth then jumped to the stage, and in doing so, fractured his leg. As he staggered across the
stage, some witnesses said he was raving in Latin “sic semper tyrannis” (thus always to tyrants). This
picture was taken on April 17, 1865 by well-known Civil War photographer, Mathew Brady.
Analyzing History
Historical Writing
Knowledge
Describe what you see in this picture. How many flags have been
used? What architectural designs do you see?
Fiction
Assume the role of an on-thescene reporter covering the
President’s visit to Ford’s
Theatre. Write an account of
the assassination as if you were
there. Include interviews with
others attending the play that
evening.
Comprehension
What picture do you think is in front of the two boxes? Why was
that picture chosen?
Application
Do you believe this was the way the presidential box looked that
night to honor Lincoln, or is this the way the booth looked after his
death as a memorial?
Analysis
What unusual chain of events led to this assassination being
accomplished? Research to find out what happened and select the
events you think were most unusual.
Synthesis
If Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, and William Seward had all been killed
that day, who would have been president and how would he have
handled the situation of predicted chaos? What about that person’s
background makes you predict his behavior?
Evaluation
State your opinion about the decision to close Ford’s Theatre after
the death of Lincoln and to eventually have the government buy it.
Support your opinion with facts.
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Nonfiction
Write a one-page position paper
titled: The Lincoln
Assassination Could Have Been
Prevented.
History Challenge
Research to find out what
happened to William Seward
who was also a target of
assassination.
#3920 Exploring History Through Primary Sources—Civil War