1. War of 1812

2.  I can explain the causes and effects of the War of 1812.  Essential Question: Why was it important for The U.S. to stay out of international conflicts?  8.H.1.5, 8.H.2.1, 8.H.2.3

3.  Independently, decide which of the five strands would you place the Louisiana Purchase.  Write the above prompt down and justify your response.

4.  Based on yesterday’s reading of the memo to President James Madison, what were three possible causes for the War of 1812?

5.  Read the memo silently and consider Madison’s thoughts.  Write down your initial thoughts about the memo. Think in terms of what it is about and how you would react.(2-3 thoughts)  Use the K.I.M. Chart for the three words in bold.  Under which strand would you place each word?

6.  What do you think is the tone of the memo written to President James Madison?  1’s share with 2’s and 2’s share 1’s response.

7.  In groups of three, brainstorm at least five ideas for handling the situation with Britain and France and choose the most effective option.  Each group will share their option and the class will vote on the best option.

8. Directions:  As you watch the video clip, write down the three causes (factors) of the War of 1812.  What was the purpose of the Treaty of Ghent? Who refused to ratify the treaty?  What effect did the War of 1812 have on the United States?

9. Add the following information to your notes:  In 1809, President James Madison became the forth president of the United States of America.  Still a fairly new nation, he faced the dilemma of how to protect Americans at sea from attacks from French and British ships.  Madison realized he could not continue Washington’s policy of isolationism.

10.  Madison offered a deal to both France and Britain that if their country would stop attacking American ships, America would no longer trade with their enemy. Britain refused the offer, but Napoleon, Emperor of the French Empire, agreed.  America thus stopped all trade with Britain.  Yet, American ships continued to be attacked, and Madison came to the conclusion that to keep America’s sailors safe, he would have to declare war.  In June of 1812, he did just that, and the War of 1812 officially began.

11.  Why did Madison declare war on Britain in 1812?  2’s share with 1’s and 1’s share 2’s response.

12.  Read the Introduction to the War of 1812.  With your partner, take turns reading aloud each paragraph.  As you read, identify the main idea of each paragraph. Write down the main idea for each of the paragraphs.  With your partner, answer the questions that follow the reading. Restate the questions in your answer.

13.  What did the War of 1812 show the world?  1’s share with 2’s and 2’s share 1’s response.

14. Listen to the Star Spangled Banner and answer the following questions after listening to the song. What images come to your mind as you listen to the song? What emotions do you feel as you listen? Why do you think this song is performed before public events that take place across America (i.e. sports events)? Why do you think this song was chosen to be our national anthem? Do you agree that this is an appropriate choice? Why or why not?

15.  Write a So What? About the War of 1812. Why was it important?

16.  Write a 3-5 sentence summary on the War of 1812.  Be sure to include a topic sentence.  Focus on the causes and effects and why it took place.