Last updated: November 29, 2018
Lesson Plan
African Americans and the War of 1812: A Lightning Lesson from Teaching with Historic Places
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 90 Minutes
- Common Core Standards:
- K.L.1
- Thinking Skills:
- Understanding: Understand the main idea of material heard, viewed, or read. Interpret or summarize the ideas in own words.
Essential Question
What factors motivated enslaved African Americans to volunteer to fight during the War of 1812?
Objective
1. Students will be able to discuss some of the factors that shaped slave resistance, and how larger world events might impact the decisions of individuals.
2. Discuss strategic British military operations launched from the base at Tangier Island and describe Fort Albion on the island in relation to the experiences of the enslaved African Americans who traveled there.
3. Identify and describe why some African Americans decided to volunteer to flight during the War of 1812.
Preparation
Students should have some background knowledge of the War of 1812, it's combatants, and the outcomes of the War, i.e. which countries and their allies were victorious.
Materials
Procedure
Getting Started: Inquiry Question
Locating the Site: Map
1. Map 1: British Advances from Tangier Island
Determining the Facts: Readings
1. Reading 1: Cochrane’s Proclamation (1814)
2. Reading 2: Fighting for Freedom: African Americans and the War of 1812
Visual Evidence: Images
1. Star-Spangled Banner Historic Trail Map
2. American Antiquarian Society Political Cartoon
Putting It All Together: Activities
1. Activity 1: Fort Albion on Tangier Island
2. Activity 2: The Life and Times of Charles Ball
3. Activity 3: Community Service: Investigate Historic Preservation Efforts in Your Community