United States History

The War of 1812

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 8.3

During its wars with France in the 1790s and early 1800s, Great Britain refused to respect the rights of U.S. ships and sailors on the high seas. When diplomacy and trade restrictions failed, President James Madison declared war. The two nations fought for two years before agreeing to a treaty, and historians debate who really "won" the war.

Format: article

The Louisiana Purchase

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 8.2

Since 1762, Spain had owned Louisiana, the vast territory between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. When France acquired the territory in 1802, President Thomas Jefferson offered to buy New Orleans to ensure U.S. access to trade on the Mississippi. When Napoleon offered the entire territory for $15 million, Jefferson accepted.

Format: article

Eli Whitney and the cotton gin

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 2.4

In 1794, inventor Eli Whitney patented his cotton gin, a machine for removing seeds from cotton. The invention made cotton production -- and with it, slave labor -- far more profitable, and it helped to cement the South's status as an agricultural region and a slave society.

Format: article

Dolley Madison and the White House treasures

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 8.7

Tuesday, August 23, 1814. Dolley Madison as First Lady.The famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of...

Format: letter/primary source

Debating war with Britain: For the war

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 8.4

Article from the Raleigh Star, published just after Congress declared war on Great Britain in 1812, arguing in support of the war. Includes historical commentary.

Format: newspaper/primary source

Debating war with Britain: Against the war

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 8.5

Article from the Carolina Federal Republican of Raleigh, published just after Congress declared war on Great Britain in 1812, arguing against the war. Includes historical commentary.

Format: newspaper/primary source

Commentary and sidebar notes by L. Maren Wood.

The burning of Washington

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 8.6

Report in the Raleigh Star, September 2, 1814, on the burning of Washington by the British during the War of 1812. Includes historical commentary.

Format: newspaper/primary source

Commentary and sidebar notes by David Walbert and L. Maren Wood.

Resources on the web

The first American party system: A documentary timeline of important events (1787-1800)

In this EDSITEment lesson students explore the timeline of events leading to the development of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties. This lesson is part of a three-lesson unit where students read the philosophical and policy statements of Hamilton,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities