Fix Bayonets! Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s Courage at Gettysburg

In this lesson, students will explore the role Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain played in the Battle of Gettysburg. Students will specifically learn about his actions on July 2 on Little Round Top and its significance to the Union’s overall victory in the battle.

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

• What was Colonel Chamberlain’s role in the Battle of Gettysburg?
• Why was holding Little Round Top so critical to the Union’s success?
• What does Colonel Chamberlain’s stand say about his identity?

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 Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s role in the Battle of Gettysburg
• Students will understand how they can be courageous in their own lives
• Students will apply their knowledge of courage to their own lives