Robert Gould Shaw’s Courageous Decision

How did Colonel Robert Gould Shaw’s decision display courage when he took charge of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry regiment? How did he make his decision and what was its significance to the nation and the overall war effort? How can students make similar courageous decisions 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

• Who was Robert Gould Shaw? Why was it significant that he took over the command of the 54^th Massachusetts?
• What does Robert Gould Shaw’s decision to take command of the 54^th say about his purpose?
• What did Robert Gould Shaw’s decision 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 Robert Gould Shaw’s decision to take command of the 54^th Massachusetts
• Students will understand how they can make courageous decisions
• Students will apply their knowledge of courage to their own lives.