The Swamp Fox, The Wizard Owl, and The Gamecock

Introduction

As students enter the classroom, have the following prompt on the board:

Do you have a nickname?  If so, what is it and what is the story behind it? (If no nickname, share the story behind your first or last name)

Once students are settled and have responded to the prompt, share with students that every name has a story and allow them the opportunity to share their story with the class. When finished, display the pictures of Francis Marion, Andrew Pickens, and Thomas Sumter labeled with their nicknames. Briefly introduce these men as prominent partisan leaders from South Carolina during the American Revolution and that they earned their nicknames due to their unique military tactics, leadership styles, and characteristics during their war efforts. 

Ask students: What story do you think is behind the nicknames “The Swamp Fox,” The Wizard Owl,” and “The Gamecock?” 

Give students time to share their ideas and then explain to them that today they will determine the roles of Francis Marion, Andrew Pickens, and Thomas Sumter in the American Revolution and compare the military strategies and contributions they made to win the war.

Direct Instruction

The teacher should provide a biographical overview of each figure, focusing on their background, role in the war, and legacy. This may be done in whole group or through the use of expert groups in a jigsaw. 

Use a map of South Carolina to explain how the terrain of the state influenced military tactics. Discuss how Marion used swamps to evade British forces, how Pickens combined diplomacy with Native Americans with his military skill, and how Sumter led direct raids against British outposts.

Define guerilla warfare and explain how hit-and-run tactics were used to disrupt British supply lines and communication.

Comparative Analysis

Allow students to research and take notes, completing the graphic organizer with the three leaders' military tactics, geography of their operations, major battles, leadership style, nicknames, and legacy.  The teacher may provide students with the biographical overview for each or provide students with short excerpts from primary sources.

Have students create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting their findings.

Class Discussion

After students complete their graphic organizer and Venn Diagrams, bring the class together to discuss their findings. 

The teacher may ask the following guiding questions:

• How did geography influence each leader's tactics?

• Why do you think they were effective against the British?

• What were the differences in leadership styles between, Marion, Pickens, and Sumter?

• How do these men represent different aspects of Southern resistance to British occupation?

Conclusion

Have students respond to the following prompt:

• Which leader do you think had the most significant impact on the Southern Campaign, and why?

• What do you think was the most important factor in the success of these leaders?

Refer back to student venn diagrams and summarize the key similarities and differences between Francis Marion, Andrew Pickens, and Thomas Sumter.