Exploros | The War of 1812

The War of 1812

Students learn about the important events of the War of 1812 and the effect it had on the new nation. Then, students conduct research on the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the Battle of Fort McHenry.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about the important events of the War of 1812 and the effect it had on the new nation. Then, students conduct research on the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Battle of Fort McHenry.

Objective:

Describe the important events and effects of the War of 1812.

On June 1, 1812, President Madison requested that Congress declare war on Great Britain. Congress voted 79 to 49 in favor of the war. The Senate approved the war by only 6 votes—19 to 13. On June 18 the order was signed and the War of 1812 began.

The War of 1812 has been called America’s Second War for Independence because it was caused by Great Britain trying to control American independence. The war lasted three years and was fought on both land and sea—in Canada and the Great Lakes area and along the Atlantic seaboard.

Objective:

Describe the important events and effects of the War of 1812.

Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” as a reaction to one of the battles of the War of 1812. You will learn more about the battle and the anthem in this experience. For now, review the first stanza (the one that is sung as the national anthem). As you read the words, try to envision the scene that Key is describing.

O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Now draw a picture of the scene as you imagined it. You can create your drawing directly on the canvas below, or draw it on paper and upload a photo of it.

Review with students the causes of the War of 1812:

impressment of American sailors
support of Native Americans who were fighting against American settlers in the American West
blockade of American ports to limit trade with France

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.