Who Knew? Asian Americans Fought in The Civil War?

TOPIC:

  • Joseph Pierce, Civil War Soldier, Union Army

OBJECTIVES:

  • Students will be able to analyze documents relating to Joseph Pierce to tell a personal story of an immigrant soldier’s life.
  • Students will be able to tell the story of Joseph Pierce, a Chinese American soldier in the Civil War fighting for the Union.
  • Students will learn of major campaigns from Antietam to Gettysburg to Appomattox through his experience.
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INTRODUCTION:

Students will be able to analyze documents relating to Joseph Pierce to tell a Chinese American soldier’s story in the Civil War fighting for the Union.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

  1. In what ways can Joseph Pierce’s experience expand our understanding of the Civil War?
  2. How does Joseph Pierce’s life help us better understand the lives of Civil War veterans more broadly?
  3. How does Joseph Pierce expand our knowledge of the role of immigrants in American life during this period?

KIT INCLUDES:

Lesson plan created in partnership with 1882 Foundation

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