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Summary and Objective
The students will use primary sources associated with the War of 1812 to gain an understanding of at least one major cause of the War, the conditions of soldiers, a major event within the war, and some of the war-related economics.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
This activity will have more meaning if students read the basic information about the Embargo Act and the War of 1812 from a history book.
Step 2.
Click on the Wells Tavern sign in Greenfield. Imagine it is 1809 and you and a friend have stopped in. At the next table you overhear a couple of gentlemen discussing the politics of the day. Click on the Embargo letters for the subject of their conversation. What can you learn about their feelings about the Embargo Act from the letters? What would their conversation be like?
Step 3.
To learn more about the Embargo Act and the War of 1812 from primary documents click on the Embargo and War of 1812 link below then click on War of 1812 at that site
Step 4.
Why did we actually go to war? Click on President Madison's war message to read why he thought we should go to war. Were these good reasons?
Step 5.
Click on the pitcher. Look carefully at both the right and left views. Who are the United States naval captains and their ships? Click on the Captain Hull link below for his report of the sinking of the Guerriere by the USS Constitution.
Step 6.
Look carefully at the subject matter of the pitcher, where and when it was made. If the war did not end until 1815 what are the implications of this?
Step 7.
Click on Dr. Goodhue's diary. What does it tell you about the conditions under which men fought and died during this war?
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