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Content Area: Social Studies
Index: 6.4E Grade 8 CPI 7
Standard: 6.4 - US & NJ History
Strand: E - Revolution and the New Nation (1754-1820)
Cumulative Progress Indicator: 7 - The student will analyze the causes and consequences of continuing conflict between Native American tribes and colonists (e.g., Tecumseh’s rebellion).
Grade: 8
Sample Activities:
·
War of 1812 Timeline. In conjunction with the library media specialist, provide
assistance to the students in locating primary and secondary sources regarding
the War of 1812. Using these sources as well as the standard textbook account,
students examine the events leading up to the war. On a wide bulletin board, the
class develops a detailed chronology of the events leading up to the War of
1812. This knowledge is essential in any attempt to explain the event. The
students clearly label each point on the timeline and illustrate it by a drawing
or a picture cut out from a magazine or newspaper. (The picture need not be
taken from an actual wartime event.) Encourage student creativity in
interpreting the pictures or designing original artwork. ·
Causes of the War of 1812.Students review some primary-source materials on this
period in history and read several historical accounts. They evaluate the
reasons why the United States went to war in 1812 and discuss whether diplomacy
could have produced a different outcome. In preparation for a classroom
simulation, distribute to the class a description of the setting and background
of the simulation. Prepare role cards based on actual characters—Congressmen
from the South, Mid-Atlantic, the West, and New England. Students role-play
these individuals and determine if the real issue was territorial expansion,
maritime issues, Native Americans, or human rights. Members of the audience (the
class) interrupt the players (as in a psychodrama) to make points, voice
criticisms, and even offer to play additional characters. After the simulation,
the entire class evaluates the simulation
·
More on Causes. Students also determine whether the declaration of war should
have been against France instead of England. They discuss the effectiveness of
the diplomatic efforts of the United States in the Embargo Act, Macon’s Bill No.
2, and the Nonintercourse Act. · The War of 1812 had a significant impact on New Jersey. Sea Captain James Lawrence made significant naval contributions, and Governor Ogden and the State Assembly addressed security issues along the New Jersey coast. Students research New Jersey’s involvement in the war effort. In a related simulation-type activity, students assume the role of New Jersey citizens in 1812 and write letters to their representatives explaining various ways that American interests were being affected by the war between England and France and propose solutions.
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