America's recent war has featured an unprecedented amount of media coverage of the fighting and carnage associated with warfare. "Embedded" reporters, graphic images posted on the Internet, and the presence of 24-hour cable news coverage have brought the reality of war into American homes with intensity and immediacy never before experienced. However, the first extensive, realistic images of American warfare came during the Civil War using photography. Americans were shocked by the graphic images of death provided by photographers like Matthew Brady, Alexander Gardner, and Timothy O'Sullivan. Even with the technology in its infancy, however, photographers recognized the power of the camera to influence and persuade.

Objectives

Students will: 1. learn about Matthew Brady and other photographers in Brady's studio who were pioneers in the field of battlefield photography. 2. consider the impact of photographs of battles as compared with drawings or other media. 3. learn how to "read" a photograph by close examination and careful observation. 4. appreciate that photographs can be manipulated or planned in order to communicate a desired message or point of view. 5. compare several examples of photographs taken of the Gettysburg campaign and discuss what point of view is being expressed in these photos. 6. relate the use of photography during the Civil War to current uses of photography, film and other media in coverage of current warfare.

Standards Alignment

• Arts and Humanities
  
  9.1.12. F. Analyze works of arts influenced by experiences or historical and cultural events through production, performance, or exhibition.
  9.1.12. J. Analyze and evaluate the use of traditional and contemporary technologies for producing, performing and exhibiting works in the arts or the works of others.
  9.2.12. A. Explain the historical, cultural, and social context of an individual work in the arts.
  9.2.12. B. Relate works in the arts chronologically to historical events (Historical and Cultural Contexts).
  9.2.12. D Analyze a work of art from its historical and cultural perspective.
  
  
• History
  
  8.1.12. A. Evaluate chronological thinking.
  8.1.12. B. Synthesize and evaluate historical sources.
  8.1.12. C. Evaluate historical interpretation of events.
  8.1.12. D. Synthesize historical research.
  8.2.9. A. Analyze the political and cultural contributions of individuals and groups to Pennsylvania history from 1787 to 1914.
  8.2.9. B. Identify and analyze primary documents, material artifacts and historic sites important in Pennsylvania history from 1787 to 1914.
  8.3.9. A. Identify and analyze the political and cultural contributions of individuals and groups to United States history from 1787 to 1914.
  8.3.9. B. Identify and analyze primary documents, material artifacts and historic sites important in United States history from 1787 to 1914.
  
  
• Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening
  
  1.4.11. C. Write persuasive pieces.
  1.5.11. A. Write with a sharp, distinct focus.
  1.6.11. D. Contribute to discussions.
  1.6.11. E. Participate in small and large group discussions and presentations.
  1.6.11. F. Use media for learning purposes.