The trial of Nathan B. Forrest & William T. Sherman as war criminals

These two military commanders, one Confederate and the other Union, have been lauded and vilified for their actions during the American Civil War. However, both must now face the International Criminal Court of History to determine whether they should be indicted for “war crimes.” You and your students will assume the roles of judges in a historical court, attorneys, witnesses, and the defendants. Additional materials will include post-activity discussion questions, extension activities, relevant documents, a time-line, glossary and list of sources.

Objectives

1. Students will learn the military history of these two opposing generals.
2. Students will evaluate whether either of these two commanders deserve to be considered great military leaders.
3. Students will decide if either of these two leaders were instrumental in the commission of war crimes.