National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 3: Britain, Napoleon, and the American Embargo, 1803–1808
While the French were once the allies of Americans, the Napoleonic Wars saw the United States almost drawn into a war with its one-time friend. Wars in Europe threatened to draw in the early republic. A primary source-based activity...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: The United States, France, and the Problem of Neutrality, 1796–1801
While the French Revolution could be considered inspired by the American Revolution, it created thorny problems for the new United States. Should the United States get involved and be drawn into a European drama? Was the US strong...
Curated OER
Fells Point's Role in Shipping and Trade
Eighth graders examine the trade and military advantages of ships built in Fells Point. In this American History instructional activity, 8th graders analyze primary sources. Students create an encyclopedia of Fells Point.
Curated OER
President Madison's 1812 War Message: Answers Lead to More Questions
Learners investigate President Madison's case for declaring war against Great Britain. Students assume the roles of newspaper reporters and cite key points in Madison's argument for declaring war, and hypothesize about primary documents...
Curated OER
President Madison's 1812 War Message: A Brief Overview
Students investigate President Madison's War Message. Students read the message and discuss any information they may have misunderstood. Students hypothesize about what kinds of documents might help them find answers to their questions.
Curated OER
President Madison's 1812 War Message: A Documentary Review
High schoolers analyze primary documents to determine why President Madison believed it was important for the US to declare war with Great Britain. Students research documents on the Internet to determine President Madison's argument for...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1800 1848: America on the World Stage
A quick comprehension check over America on the world stage.
OpenStax
Open Stax: The New American Republic
From a chapter on the New American Republic. After reading this section, students will be able to identify the major foreign and domestic uprisings of the early 1790s and explain the effect of these uprisings on the political system of...
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: The Jeffersonian Republic
Article on the life and presidency of Thomas Jefferson during what is known as the Jeffersonian Republic, 1800-1828. The author provides an overview of events, politics and foreign policy, as well as personal details of Jefferson's life.
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 3: The Growing Republic
This extensive learning module examines how the United States' efforts to increase foreign trade, add new territory, and isolate itself from Europe affected its foreign policy and other initiatives. It investigates how advances in...
US Department of State
Office of the Historian: Washington's Farewell Address
President Washington's departing remarks set foreign policy practices for the next century and a half. He warned against foreign alliances and argued for isolationism. Read a brief summary of his remarks.
US Department of State
Office of the Historian: The United States and the Haitian Revolution
Study the roots of the Haitian Revolution and the American response. Our policy shifted many times from 1791 until we recognized Haiti's independence in 1862. Read the following synopsis to better understand our ambivalence.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: The Early Republic
[Free Registration/Login Required] Read about the tremendous growing pains faced by the new republic of the United States from the presidency of George Washington up to the election of Thomas Jefferson. Find out about the domestic...