
The Dawn’s Early Light: The Defense of Fort McHenry and Courage
45 min
Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.
- What challenges are you facing?
 - What fears or concerns might you have?
 - What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?
 
Observation Questions
- Who was Major George Armistead? What was his role at Fort McHenry?
 - What was Major Armistead’s purpose during the battle?
 - What courageous actions did Armistead and his men take during the battle?
 - How did Major Armistead and the soldiers at Fort McHenry fight for freedom for themselves and others?
 
Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.
- What is the historical context of the narrative?
 - What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
 - How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
 - How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
 - How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
 - What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
 - Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
 - How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?
 
- Students will analyze the courageous actions of Major Armistead and the soldiers at Fort McHenry.
 - Students will understand the virtue of courage and how they can be courageous in their own lives.
 - Students will apply their knowledge in making courageous decisions.