John Marshall’s Rise and the Virtues of Courage, Service, and Statesmanship | Courtmaker

Learn about the early life of John Marshall, tracing how his experiences as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and his legal training shaped his belief in a strong national government.

 

Students will investigate four key stages of John Marshall’s early life and career, and analyze if these moments demonstrate virtues, such as courage, service, and statesmanship. They’ll also explore the politics of the early republic, as the Articles of Confederation failed, and the Federalists (including Marshall) pushed for a stronger central government. Students will then collaborate in small groups to conduct focused research and share their findings, while reflecting on how individual character helped shape the U.S. government.