The War of 1812

Grade Level: 4 – 6

Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 2 Instructional Pages ▶ pages 3 – 6 Activity Pages ▶ pages 7 – 8 Practice Pages ▶ pages 9 – 10 Homework Page ▶ page 11 Answer Key ▶ page 12 – 13

1

Classroom Procedure: 1. Once students are seated, and ready for lesson to

begin, play the national anthem. You may have the students stand as well.

2. Ask students if any of them know its origin.

3. Allow for responses and discussion.

4. Explain to students the Star-Spangled Banner was written during the War of 1812.

5. Distribute the War of 1812 content pages.

6. Review and read aloud with students, explaining the important details of the War of 1812. Students should be able to understand the War of 1812 was almost like a 2nd American Revolution, seeking further independence from Great Britain and trying to become a power in the world. Students need to know that America was basically seeking their full independence.

7. Distribute the Activity page and review the instructions with the students.

8. Allow students access to the Internet or other resources to complete the activity.

9. Once students are completed, review the results by visiting this page on the Internet: http://warof1812.thinkport.org/#interactive-map.html

10. Distribute Practice page, allow students to complete and then review the answers with students sharing their responses. Check for understanding.

11. Distribute Homework page.

12. In closing the next day, replay the national anthem, and ask students to share their meaning of the words to the song. (Homework page) Ask them to put themselves in Francis Scott Key’s shoes, and imagine what he may have been thinking.

13. Allow for responses and discussion.

Approximate Grade Level: 4 – 6 Objectives: The students will be able to summarize the War of 1812, list the causes of the war, and identify key individuals, places, and events that played a part during the war.

Common Core State Standards: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.5 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.3 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.3 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.3 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.7 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.2 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6.4 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6.10

Class Sessions (45 minutes): At least 2 class sessions

Teaching Materials/Worksheets: The War of 1812 content pages (2), Activity pages (2), Practice page, Homework page

Student Supplies: colored pencils, Internet access or other resources, handouts

Prepare Ahead of Time: Gather colored pencils for students. Recording of Star-Spangled Banner to play aloud for students. Copy handouts.

Additional Resources: https://kidskonnect.com/history/war-1812/ (Content) http://www.historyguy.com/war_of_1812_links.html#.VtIYa4-cGUn (Content, stats, links) http://www.historynet.com/war-of-1812 (Facts and content) http://www.eighteentwelve.ca/?q=eng/Topic/2 (Content and videos) http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/warof1812/tp/war-of-1812-overview.htm (Content) http://www.nps.gov/webrangers/activities/powdermonkey/ (Interactive Ship helper) http://warof1812.thinkport.org/#interactive-map.html (Interactive Map) http://warof1812.thinkport.org/#home.html (Content and more) VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3spRxo4CKY (6 min. Causes…) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBIh3qvuwE (2 min.-Brief overview) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5E2y1-m898 (3 min. – Brief history of) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0Kbn8hFT1Q (6 min.)

Options for Lesson: Students may work in pairs for the Activity. Teach students the words and tune to the Star-Spangled Banner. Add to or reduce the list for the Activity. Practice page and Homework page can be reversed as an assignment. Assign each student one of the battles to research and present their findings to the class. Teach about the ship, U.S.S. Constitution and its significance to the war.

2

Teacher Notes The lesson will introduce students to the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the country. The famous lines of the preamble are also stressed, and a copy of the document should be available for students to access, or receive their personal copy (see first resource).

Cover Art: USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere by Michele Felice Cornè

3

The War of 1812 Did you know there was once a war that caused fighting in America and Canada? It was the War of 1812,which became another fight for America’s independence again with Great Britain. Canada was also involved because during that time, because they were still a British territory (meaning it was under the rule of Great Britain). Also, it was during this war that America’s national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key.

Causes of the War

One of the causes of the war included disagreements over shipping and trade on the high seas. Basically, it became a war to determine the influence the United States would have in the affairs of other countries.

At the time, Thomas Jefferson was President, and he wanted to keep sending products manufactured in the United States to other countries, and not fight in foreign wars. Unfortunately, the U.S. became involved in a war between Britain and France. Both countries thought the ships from America were supplying food and weapons to the other side, which led to both sides to begin intercepting and then searching American ships for weapons. Sometimes these encounters became violent.

The Embargo Act of 1807

The United States was not very happy about it, which led to the passage of the Embargo Act of 1807. The act, approved by Congress and signed by President Jefferson, stopped all trade with foreign countries—not just with Britain and France. America thought the act would help stop the problems between France and Britain since they would not be receiving any food or other goods. However, it did not happen as planned. The two countries kept fighting, and the food and other products waiting to be sent overseas rotted and became spoiled while stored on American ships. The Embargo Act was ended in 1809 and the American ships were still being searched without cause.

The Impressment Policy

By now James Madison became President and the people in America were becoming angrier at France and Britain. The British began a policy of impressment, where they would take over American ships and then force the sailors to fight for the British navy. In addition, Britain was being blamed for supplying and helping the Native Americans who were fighting against American settlements in the West. Some Americans wanted to invade Canada since it was a territory of Great Britain.

Thomas Jefferson

President James Madison

4

United States Declares War Finally, in June of 1812, American leaders had enough and declared war against Great Britain. The first battle took place without a shot being fired. The American troops crossed into Canada and demanded the surrender of their troops, which did not happen, even though the Canadian troops were outnumbered. No one was hurt and the American troops returned.

Later, though, during the Battle of York in 1813, the American forces burned the city of Toronto. A few months later the American troops gained control of Lake Erie as well. Many more victories followed for America, but the British did win on two occasions in 1813, once in Canada and another in upper New York.

Things slowed down during the winter, but picked up again the following year when the British invaded Washington, D.C. in August of 1814, burning down the Capitol Building and the White House, plus two other buildings.

5

The Star Spangled Banner In September of the same year, the U.S. won a victory which led to the destruction of Fort McHenry. As the British navy fired upon it, Francis Scott Key watched the battle. The American flag was still flying high above the fort, which inspired him to write The Star-Spangled Banner, which became the national anthem of the United States.

Oh,saycanyouseebythedawn’searlylightWhatsoproudlywehailedatthetwilight’slastgleaming?WhosebroadstripesandbrightstarsthrutheperilousfightO’ertherampartswewatchedweresogallantlystreaming?

Andtherocket’sredglare,thebombsburstinginair,Gaveproofthroughthenightthatourflagwasstillthere.

Oh,saydoesthatstar‐spangledbanneryetwaveO’erthelandofthefreeandthehomeofthebrave?

Star Spangled Banner Flag on displayat the Smithsonian National Museum

of History and Technology

6

The War’s Final Battles Following the battle at Fort McHenry, peace talks with Britain began in the same month, August, 2014. The fighting was still going on but the losses by the British convinced them they could not win the war, and instead wanted peace with America. A peace treaty called the Treaty of Ghent was signed on Christmas Eve, 1814, officially ending the War of 1812.

John Christian Schetky, H.M.S. Shannon Leading Her Prize the American Frigate Chesapeake into Halifax Harbour (c. 1830)

Unfortunately, however, the peace treaty did not reach America for several weeks, and Andrew Jackson led American troops into a victory at the Battle of New Orleans in early January of 1815. Over 2000 British troops were killed, but only 13 Americans lost their lives.

Following that final battle, peace came to both countries, but none of the earlier problems were truly solved. The War of 1812 did give the United States a strong reputation for being a powerful nation and a leader in the world.

7

Activity Name __________________________ Date __________________

Follow the Directions

1. Use the colored pencils to label each of the places/battles on the map of the Eastern U.S.

2. Label each correctly and neatly. Use arrows if needed.

3. You may use the numbers to show some of the locations.

4. If necessary, create a legend to help viewers of the map.

5. The black dots on the map are the current state capitals.

Label the following:

1. Canada 2. Atlantic Ocean 3. Maine 4. Vermont 5. New Hampshire 6. Massachusetts 7. Rhode Island 8. Connecticut 9. New Jersey 10. Delaware 11. Maryland 12. Virginia 13. Pennsylvania 14. New York 15. North Carolina 16. South Carolina 17. Georgia 18. Mississippi Territory 19. Louisiana 20. Tennessee

21. Kentucky 22. Indiana Territory 23. Ohio 24. Florida 25. Michigan Territory 26. Lake Erie 27. Shade all lakes Blue 28. New Brunswick 29. Battle of New Orleans 30. Battle of Horseshoe Bend 31. Battle of Tippecanoe 32. Writing of Star-Spangled Banner 33. Burning of Washington, D.C. 34. Old Ironsides and the War at Sea 35. Battle of Lake Champlain 36. Battle of York 37. Battle of Queenston Heights 38. Battle of the Thames 39. Battle of Lake Erie 40. Fort Detroit Surrender

8

9

Practice Name __________________________ Date _________________

Research each of the following and write a brief description about its significance to the War of 1812

1. Embargo Act

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

2. Canada

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Great Britain

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

4. Washington, D.C.

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

5. Lake Erie

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

6. Star-Spangled Banner

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

7. Battle of New Orleans

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

8. Battle of York

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

10

9. James Madison

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

10. Thomas Jefferson

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

11. Impressment

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

12. Andrew Jackson

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

13. Treaty of Ghent

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

11

Homework Name __________________________ Date ________________

Below each verse of the Star-Spangled Banner, write what Francis Scott Key may have been think when he penned the line. (Use a dictionary if necessary.)

1. Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light

2. What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?

3. Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight

4. O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

5. And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

6. Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

7. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

8. O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

12

ANSWER KEY

Practice Name __________________________ Date _______________

Research each of the following and write a brief description about its significance to the War of 1812

1. Embargo Act 1807 - The act, approved by Congress and signed by President Jefferson,

stopped all trade with foreign countries.

2. Canada A British territory, invaded by American troops. First battle location, no shots

fired.

3. Great Britain At war with France, both countries intercepted American ships.

Ruled Canada.

4. Washington, D.C. 1814, British invasion in D.C. led to burning of the White House,

Capitol Building, and others.

5. Lake Erie 1813, American troops gained control of Lake Erie.

6. Star-Spangled Banner September, 1814, U.S. won a victory which led to the destruction of Fort

McHenry. Francis Scott Key watched the battle, American flag was still flying

high above the fort, inspired him to write The Star-Spangled Banner, became

the national anthem of the United States.

7. Battle of New Orleans Even though the war was officially over, Andrew Jackson led American

troops into this victorious battle in January of 1815, 2000 British troops killed,

13 Americans died.

8. Battle of York 1813, American forces burned the city of Toronto in Canada.

9. James Madison President when the American people were becoming angrier at Great Britain

and France. Ended the Embargo Act.

10. Thomas Jefferson President, wanted to keep sending products manufactured in the United

States to other countries, and not fight in foreign wars.

Signed the Embargo Act.

13

11. Impressment British taking over American ships and forcing American sailors to fight for the

British navy.

12. Andrew Jackson Led American troops victory at the Battle of New Orleans early

January of 1815.

13. Treaty of Ghent Peace treaty which was signed on Christmas Eve, 1814, officially ending

the War of 1812.

FOR ACTIVITY – VISIT THIS PAGE: http://warof1812.thinkport.org/#interactive-map.html