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...
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

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

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

King Andrew And His Critics

For Students 6th - 8th
In this United States history learning exercise, middle schoolers 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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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...
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.
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."
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
Handout
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: Factionalism and Political Parties

For Students 9th - 10th
Find out about the rise of regionalism and factionalism in the development of political parties involved in the elections of 1824 and 1828.
Handout
University of Groningen

American History: Biographies: Andrew Jackson: Henry Clay and the "Bank Wars"

For Students 9th - 10th
Part of a biography of American president Andrew Jackson, this article surveys Jackson's veto of the Second Bank of the United States and the political intrigue involved in that.
Graphic
American Presidency Project

American Presidency Project: Election of 1832

For Students 9th - 10th
Online resource that provides detailed data for the presidential election of 1832 won by Democratic nominee, Andrew Jackson.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Henry Clay: A Resource Guide

For Students 9th - 10th
Library of Congress provides digital collections of Henry Clay's work. Perhaps the most helpful collection is a selection of Clay's speeches: New Army Bill, South American Independence, "In Defense of the American System" and others.
Handout
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: Nullification Crisis

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource explains the conflict between Jackson and the state of South Carolina over the state's right to nullify federal tariffs. This conflict almost brought armed conflict between the federal government and the state.
Website
Digital History

Digital History: Democracy and President Jackson [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Andrew Jackson was a larger than life individual. Read about his successes before his election to the presidency and find out about his policies once he became president. [pdf]