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THE BATTLE AT FORT NECESSITY
Lee Bailey
African-American Civil Rights Movement_Farmer
The confrontation at Fort Necessity in the summer of July, 1754, was the opening battle of the war fought by England and France for control of the North American land holdings. It was also the opening episode of a worldwide struggle, known in North America as the French and Indian War. The action at Fort Necessity was also the first major event in the military career of George Washington; this was the only battle in which he ever surrendered to an enemy.Though the battle only lasted for one day, it was a great loss and a big embarrassment for Washington and his regiment. Knowing that he was defeated, Washington was approached by the French and asked to surrender his fort and men. If Washington agreed to surrender, he and his remaining soldiers could return to their home lands.
Students will be utilizing a primary document, word search, and crossword puzzle to analyze Washington's actions at Fort Necessity and project possible alternative actions.
Hand out #1: Word Search for lesson #2. see Linked File HO1 LP2 Bailey
Reading activity from:
George Washington. Writings. New York: Library of America, 1997. See linked file. (comments on David Humphrey's
Biography of Washington page 612 lines 24 through 40 & page 613 lines 1 through 32)
Hand out #2: Cross Word Puzzle for lesson #2 See Linked File HO2 LP2 Bailey
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Universal Question:
What factors influence the outcome of military engagements?
Content Specific Question:
Why did George Washington lose the battle at Fort Necessity?
Have a list of words on the over head or the board that are abbreviated from the writing of the lesson. EX: Doctr., GW, & 20 odd.) Have each student write out the word correctly or what they think the word is. Give the students a few minutes and then discuss briefly what each word is and its meaning. Also refer to the time line in the following website in order to review dates/events of this time period: www.sparknotes.com/history/american/frenchindian/timeline.html
Give each student a Word Search handout #1 to complete. Explain to students how these words relate to this lesson.
Read the following passage from the Library of America volume Writings page 612 lines 24 through 40 & page 613 lines 1 through 32. See Linked File. (Remind students of abbreviations which were identified in the Bell Assignment).
Have a short discussion after the reading assignment about what has taken place and why Washington lost his first battle.
Give each student handout # 2 to complete. Review the crossword puzzle.
Suppose you are George Washington writing a letter to a family member explaining how you (George) could have won the battle at Fort Necessity. Include: what you did, what you could have done differently, why these actions could have resulted in a victory, and how this "victory" could have impacted the outcome of the French and Indian War.
Additional resources:
The Oregon Trail, The Conspiracy of Pontiac. New York: Library of America, 1995.
France and England In North America, Volume 2. New York: Library of America, 1984.
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Word Search Puzzle LP2_Bailey
George Washington Writings New York_LOA 1997_LP2 B
Crossword Puzzle_LP2 Bailey
Answers for Crossword Puzzle_LP2 Bailey