The Life of a Civil War Soldier – On-site Activity 1/
Interpreter Led

Grade Level: Fourth Grade
Time to Complete: 45 minutes
Title of Activity: Enlistment and Training

South Carolina Curriculum Standards Addressed:
• 4.1.15 – Compare and contrast the ways of life in the North and South.
• 4.1.18 – Describe the Civil War and its effects on the nation.
• 4.5.5 – Describe how American citizens can participate in their government and influence the decisions and actions of that government.

Lesson Description:
This activity helps the student understand the process by which a soldier was trained in the Civil War. Training in the form of drills took up a great deal of the soldiers’ time. The drills will enable the students to understand the tedium of the soldier’s life, as well as help them to make this a “first person” experience. The students will be separated into the companies they formed in class. All students will sign reproduction period enlistment papers and be inducted into the army. Each company will be trained in the manual of arms and basic marching. This training will be conducted by an interpreter in Civil War soldier uniform who is proficient in military drills of the era.

Materials / Resources Provided:
• Reproduction enlistment papers

Focus Questions:
1. How did enlistment differ from the North to the South?
2. How did the training differ?
3. What was the effect of similar training on the war itself?
4. How did this overt act of either loyal or separatist intent effect the decision making of the government?