19th Century Influential Leaders Lesson Plans

Students research and examine primary sources concerning the Washington Territory. In this Native American removal activity, students view portrait images created by Gustav Sohon. Students then read several biographies that correspond to Sohon's portraits of notable Native Americans of the 19th century.

Learners compare city life and rural life in 19th century America. In this photography instructional activity, students research the role of photography in the success of the National Parks Service. Learners also compare images of Americans moving West to images of Americans living in cities. Students discuss and write their reflections.

Students read a piece of Native American literature and analyze it in a class discussion. They are explained that the piece is from the 19th century but that, unlike so much Native American literature that began orally and later was written down. Students are asked to demonstrate their comprehension of Chief Joesph's piece by paraphrasing it based on their notes and memory.

Learners investigate the countries and peoples involved in the Creek Indian War. They study the complex relationships between American and European settlers and the native Alabamians in the early 19th Century.

Young scholars study biography from the 19th century. They read "The Red Badge of Courage." Students research a topic from the list provided in the lesson plan and write a 5-7 page paper. They study lyrics and melodies of the confederacy and contrast/compare their messages and meanings to the social climate of the day.

Students research and present their findings of the Native American's forced removal in the 19th century. In this Native American lesson plan, students read passages, write and reflect, and look on the internet for evidence of the Native American's forced removal.

Students infer lifestyles of 19th century American culture in the North and South with daguerreotypes accessed from web sites. They access Internet sites to find biographical and related articles interpreting photography of Mathew Brady.

Students examine a timeline on the internet showing the relationship between the American Government and the Nez Perce in the 19th Century. After looking at the timeline and included map, students answer questions.

Young scholars put themselves in the shoes of a Chinese immigrant to America. In this immigration lesson, students read an account from Lee Chew, a Chinese immigrant to America in the 19th century. Young scholars discuss their impression of the selection and whether they would remain in America if they had been Chew. 

Eleventh graders discover that many of the issues the United States faces today elicit the same type of political, philosophical and moral debate that has divided the country in the past.