Civil War Combat

Among all of the killing fields of the Civil War, certain battlegrounds have earned the right to be called legendary: Shiloh, Antietam, Gettysburg and Cold Harbor. With a level of destruction and a rate of causalities unprecedented in American military history, each of these clashes would play a pivotal role in shaping the course and the ultimate outcome of the War Between the States. Civil War Combat would be useful for classes on American History, Military History and American Culture. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES: Students will examine the battlefield strategy of some of the Civil War's greatest conflicts. They will learn the causes and the impact of the Civil War and understand the enormity of the conflict that divided the nation.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS: Civil War Combat fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: Chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research capabilities, historical issues-analysis and decision-making for Era 5.

The Wheatfield at Gettysburg

Until July 1863, most of the major battles of the Civil War had been fought on confederate soil. General Robert E. Lee was thus determined to bring the fighting to the North. Lee launched his attack in Pennsylvania, despite poor intelligence reports that left him unaware of Union troop movements. After initial success against the northern troops, Lee allowed his exhausted army to rest—giving Union forces vital time to dig in. When the two armies clashed near Gettysburg, the Battle of of The Wheatfield saw soldiers fighting literally hand-to-hand. This battle remains one of the most dramatic scenes in American military history.

Discussion Questions

  1. The Battle of the Wheatfield took place in Gettysburg. Where is Gettysburg? What is the significance of this location?

  2. Historians consider the Battles of Gettysburg to be the turning point of the war. Why? Why were these battles so crucial?

  3. Who led the Union forces after Reynold's death?

  4. Confederate soldiers used the rebel yell during their battles. What was the rebel yell? How did they use this yell to strike fear into the hearts of their opponents?

  5. Colonel Cross's troops faced overwhelming odds. Why did these men continue despite the dangers?

  6. Colonel Cross always wore a bright red scarf on his head. Why did he wear this? What was different about his scarf the day of the Battle of the Wheatfield?

  7. The Irish Brigade was one of the toughest brigades of the Union Army. What were the origins of the Irish Brigade? How did the Irish Brigade reflect the immigration of the era?

  8. Why was the Irish brigade at such a disadvantage at the Battle of the Wheatfield?

  9. Discuss the war etiquette soldiers displayed regarding hand-to-hand combat.

  10. Colonel Brook's troops were supposed to be reserve troops. What are reserve troops?

  11. Major Dan Sickles committed a grievous misjudgment that caused the deaths of thousands at the Wheatfield. How did Sickles control the negative responses to his mistake?

  12. What was the result of Gettysburg? Who won and how did this victory influence the outcome of the Civil War?
Extended Activities

  1. Imagine that you are a Union or Confederate soldier waiting to go into battle at the Wheatfield. Write a letter home to your family discussing your feelings and experiences.

  2. Follow this link (http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/44gettys/44gettys.htm) for activities for the Battle of Gettysburg by the National Park Service.
Related Videos
Primary Sources
  • Abraham Lincoln - The Gettysburg Address November 19, 1863

Air Dates

Classroom Materials