The Courage of General Anthony McAuliffe at Bastogne

In this lesson, students will learn about the life of General Anthony McAuliffe. They will examine his courageous stand during the Battle of the Bulge and its impact on the Allied war effort. Using this example, students will learn how they can be courageous in their own lives.

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

• What was General McAuliffe’s role in the Battle of the Bulge?
• Why was it necessary for General McAuliffe to hold the city of Bastogne?
• What do General McAuliffe’s actions say about his identity?

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?

• Students will analyze General Anthony McAuliffe’s role in the Battle of the Bulge.
• Students will understand how they can be courageous in their own lives.
• Students will apply their knowledge of courage in their own lives.