Impressed with embargo

Students will learn about the causes of the War of 1812 and make connections to current world events.

A lesson plan for grade 8 Social Studies

By Andrea McGuire

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Related topics

• Learn more about American history, Thomas Jefferson, War of 1812, embargoes, history, and social studies.

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Learning outcomes

Students show an understanding of the causes of the War of 1812 and connect them to similar events happening in world politics today.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

2 Hours

Materials/resources

• drawing paper
• colored pencils
• crayons, etc.
• writing paper
• pens/pencils

Technology resources

Optional: computer with internet access to research current embargoes and word processing program to type papers.

Pre-activities

Students will need to know about impressment and Jefferson’s embargo as well as the purpose of each.

Activities

1. Students will draw a political cartoon about the embargo. It can be from the viewpoint of a merchant, a ship’s captain, Jefferson and his supporters, or Jefferson’s political opponents.
2. Have students brainstorm ways embargoes have been used in recent history and in today’s world. Students could do library or Internet research on more current embargoes.
3. Once several recent embargoes have been discussed, each student should pick one to write about.
4. Students will write an essay comparing and contrasting Jefferson’s embargo with the current one they have chosen. Included should be causes of, people and products involved, and duration of the embargoes.
5. Assign peer tutors to critique essays and allow for rewrites.

Assessment

Cartoons should be judged on historical accuracy and originality of design.

Papers should be judged on historical accuracy and comparisons made - do students show understanding of the reasons embargoes are used and their effectiveness or lack thereof.

Supplemental information

Background information can be obtained from filmstrips or other audiovisuals such as “Jefferson’s Embargo”, or books such as North Carolina and the War of 1812 by Sarah McCulloh Lemmon.

Comments

Time spent on this lesson will vary according to how much in-class or homework is allowed for writing and rewriting as well as research time. This lesson also goes along with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Early Adolescent Social Studies entry 2 “Making real world connections”.

After searching, no relevant websites were found for Jefferson’s embargo. If anyone using this site finds one, please email me. Thank you.