Zounds! Image an American president closing all ports and prohibiting exports. As part of an exercise designed to strengthen primary source comprehension skills, readers examine Thomas Jefferson's 1808 message to Congress urging such an...

The right to petition is clearly illustrated by this primary source document that presents arguments against Thomas Jefferson's Embargo Act of 1807.

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...

In this impressment and embargo historical term quiz, learners define the meaning of several terms so that they may further their own historical knowledge on the aforementioned topic.

A good addition to a unit on the War of 1812, this slideshow details causes, specific battles, political contexts, and several campaigns of the war. Maps and pictures with broad topics allow teachers to bring their own discussion topics...

In collaborative groups, young US historians sort cards (each labeled with a single early American event or issue) according to which of the first four presidents was leading the country at the time. Learners copy the events onto a...

Eleventh graders examine the challenges that faced United States as a new nation.  In this American History activity, 11th graders study the chronology of events leading up to the expedition of Lewis and Clark.  Students...

Eighth graders explore the trade of goods overseas.  In this history lesson plan, 8th graders establish the principles behind overseas trading by listening to lecture from the teacher. 

Students 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...

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.

Young scholars 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...

In this online interactive history instructional activity, students respond to 10 short answer questions about the War of 1812. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive instructional activity. 

Students read the history of John Brown. Using the internet, they research commentaries on the raid at Harper's Ferry. After observing a painting, "The Last Moments of John Brown," students analyze and write about what they see, think...

Thomas Jefferson tried to retain American neutrality in relations with France and Great Britain, who were at war with each other. Read about the Embargo Act and its effect on the American economy. See how other acts enacted in the...

Detailed facts and interesting information about the Embargo Act of 1807.

Read about Thomas Jefferson and his most influential action as president, the Louisiana Purchase.

A chronology of events that occurred in Jefferson's administration as well as Madison's the resulted in the War of 1812.

The purpose of the 1809 Non-Intercourse Act was to permit U.S. trade with nations other than France and Great Britain and replaced the 1807 Embargo Act.

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]

Both the British and French challenged American sovereignty and neutrality on the high seas. Read about the solution favored by Thomas Jefferson, but despised by the American shippers. See why this a cause of the War of 1812, along with...

Presents key ideas for examining the impact of westward expansion on concepts of nationalism and democracy. Covers the Louisiana Purchase, conflict with native peoples, the War of 1812, and other events.