The profiles of Lincoln, Lee, and Grant show a series of leadership qualities. Not all of them, like Grant's ruthlessness, are necessarily flattering. However, they helped bring these men success in the Civil War (although not ultimate success, for Lee). In the following activity, you will consider which of these leadership qualities you think are the most important for someone to have. In essence you will try to combine Lincoln, Lee, and Grant into one leader.

The following portraits of Lincoln, Lee, and Grant have been split into three parts. You will see part of their face with each of the attributes. Click on the attribute that you want the leader to have.

In this activity, you will combine the qualities of Lincoln, Lee, and Grant into one ultimate leader.

→ Reflection: Why did you choose the attributes you selected? Answer in your notes.

Civil War Leadership

There were many other leaders who made their mark during the Civil War. This resource only focused on the biggest three. However, people likeInteractive popup. Assistance may be required. Stonewall Jackson also demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities that can serve as a model for leaders today.

When studying leaders, particularly in wartime, it is also important to remember that their success relies upon ordinary men and women who actually have to face the bullets. Civil War soldiers showed incredible bravery to fight in battles with enormous casualty lists. When men likePhilip Bazaar andWilliam Carney, further distinguish themselves by earning the Congressional Medal of Honor, their importance cannot be underestimated. The country builds statues and memorials to people like Lincoln but often forgets the smaller acts of sacrifice by men doing their duty.