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Lesson Plan
National Park Service

Should America Have Gone to War in 1812?

For Teachers 8th Standards
Using an incredibly engaging activity and detailed lesson plan, your learners will serve as advisors to President Madison on whether to participate in what would become the War of 1812! Utilize a variety of effective instructional...
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Interactive
University of Richmond

Canals 1820-1860

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
While canals are not a common mode of transportation today, they were part of the fuel for America's industrialization. However, most of them were located in the North, also feeding regional differences and sectionalism. Using an...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Election Is in the House: Was There a Corrupt Bargain?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students take a stand, supported by evidence, on whether there was a "corrupt bargain" between Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Clay, Calhoun & Webster

For Students 6th - 8th
In this United States history worksheet, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about the nation's early history. A short answer question is included as well.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Clay, Calhoun & Webster

For Students 6th - 8th
In this United States history worksheet, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions pertaining to Regionalism. A short answer question is included as well.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

King Andrew And His Critics

For Students 6th - 8th
In this United States history worksheet, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about the Andrew Jackson and his critics. A short answer question is included as well.
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Website
University of Groningen

American History: Biographies: Andrew Jackson 1767 1845 a Brief Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
The University of Groningen provides an excellent biography of Andrew Jackson. The details of his candidacy, election to the presidency, and his administration are important parts of this site.
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Handout
University of Groningen

American History: Biographies: Henry Clay (1777 1852)

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource gives a good summary of Henry Clay's character and the accomplishments of his life.
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Website
Digital History

Digital History: Jeffersonians in Office [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a great overview of both the Jefferson Administration and the Madison administration. Read about the Louisiana Purchase, trade problems, the War of 1812, and the downfall of the Federalists. A great resource. [pdf]
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Primary
US National Archives

Our Documents: Missouri Compromise (1820)

For Students 9th - 10th
Read an original transcript, and view an image of a report on the Missouri Compromise of 1820. This legislation admitted Missouri and Maine as states into the Union.
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Handout
Other

Nhi: Unrestraint Begets Calamity: "The American Whig Review," 1845 1852

For Students 9th - 10th
Scroll through this scholarly site from the National Humanities Institute to find information about the Whigs' role in the Compromise of 1850 and the end of its political clout by the election of 1852.
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Unit Plan
Curated OER

National Park Service: Cast Your Vote 1812

For Students 3rd - 9th
It is May 1812. America is on the brink of war and President James Madison is encouraging you to listen to different perspectives of possible outcomes. What do you think of the issues- and the decision to go to war? Listen and read about...
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Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: John Quincy Adams: Domestic Affairs

For Students 9th - 10th
John Quincy Adams did not have any easy time as president. Read about his dreams for the nation, and what really was implemented.
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Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: John Quincy Adams: Campaigns and Elections

For Students 9th - 10th
Modern presidential campaigns pale in comparison with the campaigns of 1824 and 1828. Read about the election battles between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.
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Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Knox Polk:campaign and Election of 1844

For Students 9th - 10th
The campaign and election of 1844 showed the rising difference in the nation between Whigs and Democrats and sections of the country. Showing the true development of the two-party system, it also gave rise to the term, "dark horse."
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Website
US Senate

U.s. Senate Art and History: The "Famous Five"

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about how a Senate committee, headed by John F. Kennedy, chose five senators to be enshrined a senatorial hall of fame. There are links to biographies of the five who were chosen.
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Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: John Quincy Adams

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains a detailed biography of John Quincy Adams. From the right-hand toolbar, select information about his life before and after his presidency, his campaigns and elections, and his domestic and foreign affairs. Also, you...
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Article
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum

Rutherford B. Hayes Center: Who Is James K. Polk?

For Students 9th - 10th
This page features an analysis of the Democratic Party's decision to nominate the relatively unknown James Polk for their presidential candidate in 1844. This article gives insight into the political atmosphere of the time.
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Website
Other

Henry Clay Memorial Foundation: Biography and Timeline

For Students 9th - 10th
The official site for the Henry Clay Estate presents a biography and a timeline of important events in Clay's life. Other topics of interest: Henry Clay the Statesman, the Attorney, the Farmer, Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln. Click on...
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Website
US National Archives

Our Documents: The Compromise of 1850

For Students 9th - 10th
The Compromise of 1850 attempted to settle sectional disagreements about slavery in the volatile pre-Civil War period. The compromise, actually a series of bills, had an enormous impact on the nation's slow march to civil war. See...
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Website
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Gilder Lehrman Institute: History by Era: The Age of Jackson

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] Read about the growth of the United States in population, economy, territory during the Age of Jackson. Named after the dynamic president, Andrew Jackson, the age encompassed much more than Jackson's...
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Primary
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Primary Source Set: Henry Clay: The Great Compromiser

For Students 9th - 10th
A collection that uses primary sources to explore the life and political impact of Henry Clay.
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Primary
National Humanities Center

National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: America in 1850: Henry Clay: Review of the Debate on the Compromise Bills

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Henry Clay's speech in the Senate in support of the Compromise of 1850 and the importance of preserving the Union.
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Primary
National Humanities Center

National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: America in 1850: Henry Clay

For Students 9th - 10th
Collection of primary resource material includes Henry Clay's, "A General Review of the Debate on the Compromise Bills," U.S. Senate, July 22, 1850. With questions for discussion.