Conquer It
In this activity, you will learn about the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. It was one of the first official African American units in the United States during the Civil War. You will conduct research about the 54th Massachusetts Regiment by using the resources provided and then use what you have learned about informative/explanatory writing to write an essay about the importance of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment during and after the Civil War.
Use the following links to conduct research about the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.
54th Massachusetts Regiment Opens a new window
54th Regiment Opens a new window
The 54th Massachusetts: History on the Battlefield Opens a new window
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was one of the first official African American units during the Civil War.
Image Credit: By Kurz and Allisonvia Wikimedia Commonsopens in new window
Write an essay that explains the importance of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment during and after the Civil War. Your essay needs to include an introductory paragraph, at least one paragraph providing support for your main idea, and a concluding paragraph.
Consider your audience when writing your essay. You will need to explain to your reader who the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment were, why they are important, and how their actions paved the way for more African Americans to serve in the military.
You may use the Explanatory Writing Diagram and Graphic Organizer or the Project Write Graphic Organizer to guide your writing.
Middle School Explanatory Writing Diagram and Graphic Organizer
Project Write Graphic Organizers
After you have written your informative/explanatory draft essay explaining the importance of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during and after the Civil War, use the writer’s checklist to review your work. Use your checklist as a guide to revise your draft and submit your final copy to your teacher.
