Gettysburg Re-Decisions

War Councils

During the Civil War when leaders had to make strategic decisions, they often called a “council of war,” a meeting of their top advisors.

INSTRUCTIONS

For this Time Machine, each of you will play the role of a commander leading a Civil War council pertaining to the most important battle of the Civil War. When it's your turn, others in the class swill be your advisors. The war councils will rotate from South to North, starting with the South

1. After understanding the decision you need to make, go around the room and ascertain the opinion of your advisors.

2.    If you already know the actual decision and the outcome in history, forget it. The object is not to try to make the same decision, but the best decision, regardless of whether it was the same or different.

3. Once you’ve heard everyone’s opinions, announce your decision, saying “that’s my final answer.”

4. The teacher will reveal what the actual historic decision of the commander was. 

A video clip will be provided to portray the actual historic decision.

CLASS DISCUSSION: Compare your decision with the actual history. Do you think your decision was better or worse than that which actually happened?

Click here to experience the war councils.