Charles Lindbergh: Against The Wind

Charles Lindbergh was one of the 20th century’s most famous men. This aviator became an American hero when he successfully crossed the Atlantic in his plane, The Spirit of St. Louis. But the lows of Lindbergh’s life were as extreme as the highs. He lived through the kidnapping and death of his son, and became one of the most reviled men in America, only to reemerge again as an American hero. But who was Charles Lindbergh? This episode of Biography examines the life and career of Charles Lindbergh. Charles Lindbergh: Against the Wind would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, Aviation, Media Studies and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Objectives
Students will examine the life of Charles Lindbergh and his impact on American history in the 20th century. They will explore how the life of Lindbergh was entwined with the narrative of the 20th century and how he reflected the hope, anxieties and major events of the era. Students will also be able to analyze the role of the media in events, and the ethics of the profession in reporting news and creating and /or destroying public figures.

National History Standards
Charles Lindbergh: Against the Wind fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for United States History eras 7, 8, 9 and 10.

• adulation
• aversion
• camaraderie
• clamor
• dictated
• disheartened
• exhilaration
• impromptu
• introspective
• mayhem
• solace
• undaunted

1. Charles Lindbergh is one of the most famous figures of the 20th century. What is his claim to fame?

2. Discuss the difficulty Charles had fitting in as a child.

3. What was the Orteig prize?

4. Charles was not the only pilot vying for the Orteig Prize. What happened to the other prize seekers?

5. The press was a constant presence in Charles’ life. Why was the press so interested in Charles Lindbergh and his exploits?

6. Discuss Charles’ relationship with the press.

7. Why was weather such an important factor in Charles’ transatlantic flight?

8. Lindbergh completed his journey when he landed in Paris. Discuss the reception he received when he landed.

9. Charles Lindbergh married Anne Morrow. How did they meet?

10. Who was Anne Morrow? What was her background?

11. Charles and Anne Lindbergh suffered through one of the most celebrated crimes of the 20th century. What happened to their son?

12. How did Charles handle the kidnapping and murder of his son?

13. In the years immediately preceding World War II, Charles Lindbergh was a fan of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. Why did Lindbergh choose to overlook some of the disturbing signs of the regime? How did he react after the war to the horrors of the Holocaust?

14. Discuss Charles’ racial beliefs and theories.

15. What did Charles contribute to World War II?

1. Design a commemorative coin, statue, stamp or plaque for Charles and Anne Lindbergh.

2. Using the medium of your choice, create a replica of The Spirit of St. Louis.

3. Imagine that you are a reporter in 1932. Write a story for your readers about the Lindbergh kidnapping.

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Primary Sources

• Follow this link (http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/09/27/specials/lindbergh-welcome.html)to the New York Times On The Web website for the report of Lindbergh’s successful transatlantic flight.