1. Do some research on the lives of women, children, or other civilians on the home front. Use the Internet or the library to gain background knowledge before you write.

Write a letter from one of the following perspectives, or choose a point of view based on your research.

• a woman whose husband has gone to war
• a grandfather who is helping out on his son’s farm while his son is at war
• a young person who must take on more farm work while his or her father is away at war
• a young person who goes to work in a factory
• an African American thinking about gaining his or her freedom

Your response should be at least two paragraphs. Consider some of these questions as you write:

1. Are you living in the North or the South?
2. How has your life changed because of the Civil War?
3. Who do you know who is fighting in the war?
4. How do you feel about your new responsibilities?
5. What do you want people to know about your life?

Type your response here: