Esprit de Corps

(Spirit of the Corps)

What’s your reaction when you see the next

slide?

(Yes you are allowed to clap or boo, but quietly so as not to disturb other

classrooms.)

What about this next slide?

(Again, you are allowed to clap or boo, but quietly so as not to disturb other

classrooms.)

Sports fans show “Esprit de Corps” all the time when rooting for their favorite team.

All teams have a mascot, a uniform, a motto, and other such things to help tell them apart from

another team. Those who like one team over an other will adopt these symbols, colors, mottos

and other such things to help show their enthusiastic support. It also helps people keep

track of who likes a certain or another.

Military Units also have “Esprit de Corps.” They also create flags, banners, and such to represent themselves on the battlefield. Most are variation of their national flag, but

some have all kinds of different designs.

Many incorporate mythical creatures and other such symbols to help represent their

unit.

 3rd Kentucky Mounted Infantry                        

28th North Carolina Infantry        

Now your group must create some of their own “Esprit de Corps.” You must create all of the following:

- Name Select a name that will represent your group.

- Flag / colors Create a flag. Choose a design, colors, and size. Brainstorm where / how you might want to display your flag.

- Motto Keep your motto brief and to the point. Check out encyclopedias under states of your region to find examples of state mottoes (e.g., “Don’t tread on me”). Make sure the motto can be read clearly from anywhere in the room.

- Motto Keep your motto brief and to the point. Check out encyclopedias under states of your region to find examples of state mottoes (e.g., “Don’t tread on me”). Make sure the motto can be read clearly from anywhere in the room.

- Symbols Brainstorm what symbols of the 1860s would be appropriate. Perhaps mythical animals with impressive character traits could be selected. State flags are good examples for you to consider.

- Armbands / Nametags All military personnel have to wear some sort of identification. These items should reflect the flag’s motto, color scheme, and symbols. Once done these identity badges should deepen the esprit de corps of your group throughout the Civil War.