Lesson
North or South: Robert E. Lee’s Fateful Decision
In this lesson, students will learn about the life of Robert E. Lee and how it was shaped by integrity. They will explore his actions and how they helped shape his identity and purpose. Through his example, they will learn how they can pursue integrity in their own lives.
Founding Principles
Guiding questions
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 Robert E. Lee?
- What did Robert E. Lee do before the war?
- What do Robert E. Lee’s actions say about his personal integrity?
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?
Learning objectives
- Students will analyze Robert E. Lee’s life and actions leading up to the Civil War
- Students will understand how acting with integrity can affect their purpose and identity
- Students will apply this knowledge to the pursuit of integrity in their own lives
Lesson Components
Standards
Advanced Placement
- Integrity,
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