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Description
This volume in the Conflict and Compromise in History resource book series takes a critical look at the structure of our armed forces and the role of the citizen soldier in American history.
After the Revolutionary War, George Washington argued strongly in favor of a small professional army for the new republic, but Congress chose instead to rely for the most part on a citizen militia. Thus began the historical debate over the role of the citizen soldier in American life—a debate that is as contentious and as essential to defining our nation today as ever.
Citizen Soldier brings the American citizen soldier to life for students, helping them appreciate both the challenges a nation faces in operating its military and the personal sacrifices and contributions citizen soldiers have made in fighting American wars.
Placing the topic in historical context, Citizen Soldier traces the origins of the citizen soldier from ancient Greece to today. Activities and research are focused on two “defining moments” in U.S. history: African American soldiers during the Civil War and the San Patricios—Irish American soldiers in the Mexican-American War. At a time when the deployment of our regular military and National Guard is dominating headlines, this resource book offers an objective, history-based discussion of the role of the citizen soldier in America.
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| Series Features |
In each volume:- An introduction gives a broad overview of the topic; use it to create a general lesson or lecture on the issue at hand, or to prepare students for the historical analysis portions
- "Throughout History" provides a narrative chronology—for example, the impact of civil rights initiatives on the women's movement, or the foreign policy approaches of various presidents; use this material to create a preparatory lecture for the resource book's interactive portions or as a handout
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Title Features |
- Over 50 primary sources include army recruitment posters from the Civil War, letters from soldiers and generals, photographs of soldiers, Governor Juan Soto's handbill appealing for desertion, Irish American songs, and political cartoons
- Classroom activities include a mock trial in which the San Patricios are accused of treason by the U.S. government and a newspaper competition where students create a Civil War–era Northern newspaper and compete for circulation against other teams in the class
- A "Throughout History" section provides a narrative chronology of the citizen soldier from ancient Greece to today
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Highlights |
- Combines the expert authorship of Dr. Spencer Tucker, noted military historian and author/editor of numerous works on the subject, with activities by an award-winning teacher
- Provides a historical context for looking at the inevitable questions arising from a democratic nation's use of a standing army
- Offers a way to look at the current use of the U.S. military and National Guard, both abroad and domestically, through the prism of history
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