Lesson Plan: Civil War Writs of Habeas Corpus

Overview

The main purpose of this lesson is to use primary sources to help students explore the ways that forced military service affected the lives of Virginians over the course of the Civil War. Working in groups, students will analyze petitions filed by Virginian soldiers who believed that they should have been exempt from serving in the Confederate Army. The class will come together to discuss the results of each soldier’s request. Students will assess how studying these court cases impacted their understanding of both the experiences of average Virginians and the priorities of the Confederate government.

Essential Question: How do military decisions during wars affect the lives of citizens as a whole?

Grade Level(s): 8-12

Time Needed: 30-45 minutes

Objectives

Learning Objectives or Topic:

The students will be able to use primary sources to identify and analyze evidence and place it in a broader context.

The students will be able to collaborate as a group and use research and investigation to develop a written and oral product.

The students will be able to work together to make and adjust predictions and to use evidence to draw conclusions and make generalizations.