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Summary and Objective
Students will understand the role that Massachusetts played in the Civil War that helped bring African Americans into the ranks of the Union army. They will also learn about the racism that was prevelant during that time period and gain insight into how African Americans played a pivital role in helping to achieve a Union victory.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Obtain a school version of the film Glory OR edit out inappropriate language.
Step 2.
Tell students that the film is based upon actual letters written by Robert Gould Shaw to family members, and that these primary sources are some of the best evidence we have about the Massachusetts 54th.
Step 3.
Show the film
Step 4.
Divide the class into small groups. Each group will give examples that show how African Americans were treated differently than white soldiers during the war.
Step 5.
Then have students share their responses in a class discussion. Be sure to discuss Shaw's attitudes about African American in this step.
Step 6.
Have students use the American Centuries link to read about another example of how African American soldiers were mistreated and harassed during the Civil War by white northerners.
Step 7.
Assign further investigation for homework or go to a computer lab as a class to review the attached web sites.
Step 8.
Small groups of students will create posters that summarize what life was like for African Americans at the Siege of Port Hudson and also list at least 4 other locations that African Americans were engaged in combat during the war.
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