Ulysses S. Grant U.S. President | Historical Figure Readers Theater Script

This Ulysses S. Grant Historical Figure Readers Theater Script engages students in an interactive narrative instead of reading a dry history textbook. Abigail and Benjamin travel through time to witness Ulysses S. Grant’s transformative role as both a Union General and later as President during Reconstruction.

Script Summary:

Abigail and Benjamin see Grant after the fall of Vicksburg, planning strategy and writing to President Lincoln, fully supporting the arming and emancipation of formerly enslaved people to weaken the Confederacy. After the Civil War ends, Grant helps rebuild the nation and protect the rights of freedmen as President. He battles the Ku Klux Klan, enforces federal laws to safeguard Black voting rights, and supports educational opportunities through the Freedmen’s Bureau. Yet his presidency faces corruption scandals, which tarnish his reputation, even as he steadfastly champions civil rights. By the time he leaves office, Reconstruction falters, and white supremacy regains ground in the South. Still, his legacy includes using federal power to defend freedom and moving the nation closer to justice and equality, setting foundations for future civil rights struggles.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

1) Readers Theater Script

• ~12 Characters, 1750 words, PDF & Editable DOCX Formats (7 pages)
• Includes factual historical information, primary source quotes, and narrative storytelling
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts

2) Comprehensive Script Worksheet

• Includes Answer Key, Google Slides & PDF Formats (4 Pages | 17 Slides)
• 10 Vocabulary Words: Definitions based on the context of the script to build historical literacy
• 10 Short-Answer Questions: Comprehension and recall questions based solely on the script, ensuring students can analyze the content without requiring additional research.
• Long-Format Writing Questions: Encourage deeper reflection and analysis, including one primary source exploration question.

3) Primary Source Letter

• From Ulysses S. Grant to Abraham Lincoln, August 23, 1863
• Full Primary Source Text, PDF & DOCX Formats (4 pages)

Teaching Tips for Using the Script:

• For digital classrooms, upload the DOCX Script and convert to Google docs
• For More Students: Main character can be read by multiple students.
• For Less Students: Minor characters can be read by just one student.
• This script should take about ~25 minutes and depending on your classroom's level it may be suitable for other grade levels.
• An extra ~25 minutes for prep, discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should also be planned.

This resource is part of a bundle dedicated to the most notable 12 U.S. Presidents:

SAVE 50% and get the bundle here: U.S. Presidents Reader's Theater Scripts Bundle (12)