Helen Dortch Longstreet: The Fighting Lady
Helen Dortch Longstreet: The Fighting Lady
Married to a Confederate general, Helen Dortch Longstreet was a fighter in her own right. Helen became known as the "Fighting Lady," a champion of many causes, including environmental protection, civil rights and memorializing her late husband.
1. Why was Helen Longstreet known as "the fighting lady"?
2. Helen Longstreet was determined to honor her husband's legacy and defend his name. Is there anyone you know whom you would defend as intensely? Explain.
1. The video doesn't go in depth about Helen Longstreet's husband, Confederate General James Longstreet, but the video does reference several times that Helen fought to defend her husband's name. Conduct research on General Longstreet to determine why Helen felt the need to defend him. Discuss as a class or in small groups whether or not his legacy was worth defending.
United Daughters of the Confederacy: association of Southern women established in 1894 to commemorate Confederate soldiers and erect monuments in their honor
glass ceiling: an unofficially acknowledged barrier to advancement in a profession, especially affecting women and members of minorities
lobby: seek to influence (a politician or public official) on an issue
postmaster: a person in charge of a post office
1. Why was Helen Longstreet known as "the fighting lady"?
Helen Longstreet fought for what she believed in and was a champion of many causes, including environmental protection, defending her husband's name as a Confederate general, and she paved the way for women to hold public office in Georgia.
2. Helen Longstreet was determined to honor her husband's legacy and defend his name. Is there anyone you know whom you would defend as intensely? Explain.
Students answers will vary.