| Classroom
Activities:
Art
Geography
Language. Arts
Social Studies
Grades: 5- 12
Objectives:
Students will read and construct a map
to demonstrate a knowledge of physical geography and spatial relations during the Siege of
Vicksburg.
Materials:
Map Activity Sheets, Writing materials,
art supplies. |
|
Maps
Background:
Maps
were a critical aspect of any battle. Generals would plan strategies and tactics based
cavalry reconnaissance, spies and maps. Maps provide the preliminary information to plan
the strategy for the campaign.
Method:
Students
will research reference materials, including topographic maps of the Vicksburg area. Using
the activity sheet map, students will outline the strategies of the Union and Confederate
armies during the siege. The class may be divided into groups. Each group will make
tactical decisions based solely on the information on the map. Students will construct a
map of the Vicksburg area with their battle plan. Students will then compare their
strategies and tactics with the actual map from the siege.
Younger students
May color the map of the Siege of Vicksburg and
identify the location of earthworks, historic roads, railroads, creeks and venous
boundaries. They can answer the questions on the activity sheet.
Challenge to older students:
Divide the class into two groups, Confederate and Union. Each member of the group is a
general trying to get the group to adopt their plan. By the end of a two day session the
groups must design a strategic plan to defend or open the Mississippi River. Using;
topographic map of the United States, the students will mark sites of forts, possible
battles, major economic, transportation and supply centers. Once the groups have developed
their strategies, they will decide on the tactics necessary to achieve their goal This is
an excellent introductory activity to the Western front of the war. The students can refer
back to their plans as they study the Civil War. |
