High School Lesson Plans

The Milroy Collection at the Jasper County Public Library

TITLE:  THE “AMERICAN MILITARY HERO” … HONOR DESERVED?

A CASE STUDY

PROBLEM:  You see them often: statues, bridges, street names, parks, etc. named for military “heroes”.  Is there always justification to be so designated ?  Is it service alone?  Is it personal courage exemplified on the fields of battle? Is it bringing  inspiring leadership that results in great victories, or the loyalty and  admiration of those who are led?  Is it personal appearance? A bombastic manner of speech that inspires others? A sense of arrogance and self-righteousness?  One such controversial figure that could be described by many of the preceding  examples would be Robert H. Milroy.  Is he a true national hero recognized only locally?  Or should he be considered less or more than that?  

GRADE LEVEL:  High School Junior Honors Class  Seminar

 OBJECTIVES:   Students will come to understand how different definitions of “hero” can be arrived at by examining the complexities of the human personality - both  the subject’s and those contemporaries who interpret the value of other’s performances on the field of battle.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS:  # 3… Student engages in historical analysis and interpretation.  (Civil War Period)

INDIANA ACADEMIC STANDARDS:  # 1…  Early National Development …  USH  1.3… Civil War & Reconstruction

 # 9…   Historical Research  …   USH 9.1 … Locate and analyze primary and secondary sources presenting differing perspectives on events and issues of the past.  …    USH 9.2 … Locate and use sources found at local and state libraries, archival collections, historic sites and electronic sites.

TIME:  … Research   3   days preparation time…Seminar Discussion: 60 –75 minutes

ASSESSMENT:    How often did students participate?  How well researched were their comments?  Was opinion arrived at through extensive research with numerous references to suggested source material?  Were arguments supporting point of view able to sway other’s opinions?

BACKGROUND:   Robert H. Milroy is a “local hero” in Jasper County , Indiana .  His heroic stature is attributed to his service to the United States during the  Civil War.  However, although he achieved the ranks of Brigadier General and Major General he is most remembered for a devastating defeat at the Second Battle of Winchester   and a subsequent court martial…in which he was exonerated.  To better comprehend his true stature it is necessary to look into the subject’s background, actions and his thoughts.  All of this is possible through an examination of  his own letters, comments from his contemporaries and historians assessments of his actions.

 OUTLINE OF POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION:

 Leading questions for teachers:

1.      What is your personal definition of a hero?  Military hero?

2.      Is “eagerness” a necessary part of a heroic persona?

3.      Must heroes perform extraordinary acts, or simply attempt to do so?

4.      Can one be considered a hero if one disobeys orders from superiors?  Even if the act was successful?

5.      When in positions of control must heroes be magnanimous or may they be tyrannical?

Robert H. Milroy

Addendum to resource materials:  Primary sources involving Milroy at http://digi.jasperco.lib.in.us/

cdm 4/document.php?CISOROOT=Milroy&C150PTR=418&Rec=10 

• song of support for Milroy composed and sung by troops

Winchester references by RHM, et al

• @RHM_uc34Mar-Apr-May 1864

• Doc. 123  Letter from W. H. Ball to J. O. Cravens - "men would like to fight under RHM"
• Doc. 199  Letter from RHM to Mary Milroy

Search Here        Browse Here

Milroy Collection Home Page