Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh: Alone Together (2 Parts)

They are perhaps one of the most famous couples of the twentieth century; he the daring aviator and she the noted novelist. But together they endured the depths of tragedy as well as the heights of fame and fortune. What were their lives really like? Who were the man and woman behind the grainy photographs and images? This episode of Biography examines the lives and times of the Lindberghs, from Charles’ historical cross Atlantic flight, to Anne’s best selling novels, to the terrible kidnapping that tore their infant son from them. Charles Lindbergh And Anne Morrow Lindbergh: Alone Together would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, Aviation, Literature, Media Studies and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Objectives
Students will examine the lives of Charles and Anne Lindbergh and their impact on American history in the 20th century. They will explore how the lives of the Lindberghs were entwined with the narrative of the 20th century and how they 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 And Anne Morrow Lindbergh: Alone Together 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.

• Transfixed
• adulation
• aversion
• camaraderie
• cerebral
• clamor
• dictated
• disheartened
• exhilaration
• flotilla
• impromptu
• introspective
• mayhem
• propagate
• solace
• undaunted

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

2. Charles’ parents fought hard and fought often. How did their volatile relationship affect Charles?

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

4. Charles found the camaraderie he lacked as a child with other pilots when he began flying. Discuss the relationship between the pilots of Lindbergh’s era.

5. Flying the mail today is routine and commonplace, but in Lindbergh’s era it was risky and dangerous—a job for daredevils. Why was flying the mail so dangerous?

6. What was the best way for a pilot to earn some money in the 1920s?

7. What was Charles’ first flying job?

8. Discuss the dangers of Charles’ first flying job.

9. What was the Orteig prize?

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

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

12. Discuss Charles’ relationship with the press.

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

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

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

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

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

18. Anne remained composed during the kidnapping crisis. Why didn’t she show her emotions?

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

20. 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?

21. Discuss Charles’ racial beliefs and theories.

22. What did Charles contribute to World War II?

23. Discuss Anne’s career as a novelist.

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

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.

Related Videos

Primary Sources

• Follow this link (http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/09/27/specials/lindbergh-price.html)to the New York Times On The Web website for an interview with Anne Morrow Lindbergh on the 50th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s historic flight.

Air Dates

• January 07, 2005
• January 10, 2005