Lesson
You May Depend Upon My Exertions: Robert Morris, the Revolutionary War, and Self‐Sacrifice
In this lesson, students will learn about the actions of Robert Morris and his sacrifices for the cause of independence during the American Revolutionary War. They will explore how his selfless actions with his finances helped to preserve that cause. Through his example, they will learn how they can act selflessly in their own lives.
Founding Principles
Virtues
Guiding questions
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
- Who was Robert Morris?
- What was Robert Morris’ contribution to the American Revolution?
- How did the selfless acts of Robert Morris help to shape 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?
Learning objectives
- Students will analyze Robert Morris’ actions during the American Revolution.
- Students will understand how acting selflessly can benefit those around them.
- Students will understand how they can act more selflessly in their own lives.
