Lights, Camera, & Action: Civil War Mini-Theater
YOUR NAME: ______
GROUP MEMBERS: ______
Option #1: Crossfire (The Civil War debate)
In the tradition of news network debate programs, (such as the O’Riley factor, Crossfire, etc.), you will create and perform a debate on the Civil War. Pretend it is the 1860’s; you will need to include famous representatives from both the Union and Confederate forces in your debate program. Be sure to discuss the following topics:
- Union/ Confederate War strategies
- Union/Confederate advantages and disadvantages of the conflict. Who will win the war?
- Reference significant victories for both sides
- The source/reasons for the war (state’s rights vs. preservation of the Union, slavery issue, etc.)
- Economic conditions (industry vs. agriculture, railroads, etc.)
Option #2: Interview Panel with famous Civil War heroes
Choose at least 3 famous figures from the Civil War to interview on a panel. Be sure to ask your famous individuals about the following topics (same list as above):
- Union/ Confederate War strategies
- Union/Confederate advantages and disadvantages of the conflict. Who will win the war?
- Reference significant victories for both sides
- The source/reasons for the war (state’s rights vs. preservation of the Union, slavery issue, etc.)
- Economic conditions (industry vs. agriculture, railroads, etc.)
Option #3: History Channel Explorer
You have all seen these programs on the History Channel; historians and archeologists explore famous sites and uncover the mysteries behind the history. You will create a program that will introduce two or more historians/archeologists that will explore and excavate (dig up!) famous Civil War sites. Be sure to have your explorers find key artifacts from the War and then explain their significance to our class:
- weapons used in the war
- various items from key battle fields (explain key battles, Andersonville prison, etc.)
- supplies/clothes, etc. from a typical Civil War soldier Be sure to explain what daily life was like for these individuals.
Option #4: Battle Re-enactment (Channel HTMS live on the scene!)
You will choose one of the important Civil War battles/events from the list below and create a news broadcast covering the event. Your list of characters should include studio anchors, field correspondents, and Union/Confederate soldiers and/or generals from the event. Be sure to include:
- geography/weather conditions of the battle
- Important events in the battle itself especially those influencing the outcome
- Weapons/tactics used in the event
- Field correspondent interviews with the soldiers and/or generals
- The Conclusion: who won the battle and why? What does this mean for the rest of the War?
List of battles that you can choose:
- Antietam
- Gettysburg
- Chickamauga
- Union blockade of Georgia’s coast
- Battle of Atlanta
- Sherman’s March to the Sea
- Great Locomotive Chase
This is a list of guidelines, be creative, think about what other key topics you could debate. As always, have fun, but stay school appropriate. All programs should be at least 5 minutes in length and no longer than 10 minutes. Good luck!
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