U.S. History: Civil War- The Role of the Telegraph on the Battlefield

In this lesson students will research and discuss this form of technology, its origin, and its advantages and disadvantages. They will investigate the innovation of telegraph communication and how it was used during the Civil War to report the progress of the war from the battlefield to the president. Students will understand how a telegraph works and will translate a message using Morse code. 

Weblink address (URL): 
The Role of the Telegraph on the Battlefield
Home Page for the Lesson Plan- Source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

After completion of this lesson, the student will know the origins and uses of the telegraph during the Civil War, be able to analyze primary source images of the telegraph, be able to translate and produce a message using Morse code, and understand how this innovation relates to future innovations in communications.

Essential and guiding questions: 

How did telegraph communications impact the Civil War, both on the battlefield and in the White House?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

Students can build a telegraph system and send messages regarding the outcome of Civil War battles from different commanders to President Lincoln. Use the following video as reference: Instructables: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-A-Homemade-ElectricTelegraph!/

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Computers with access to the internet
  • Optional hard copies of LOC images and Morse code
  • Handouts (included with lesson plan)
  • Picture Analysis Worksheet
  • Telegraph Research Worksheet
  • Telegram Message Worksheet