Overview

In this experience, students first view a painting of the burning of Washington, D.C., and predict what is happening. Then, they examine the causes of the War of 1812. Next, they analyze important events and outcomes of the war. Finally, they learn how Francis Scott Key’s experience during the Battle of Baltimore led him to write the poem that became “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The Teacher Pack contains two optional videos you may project for students.

If you have access to leveled readers with a biography of Dolly Madison or Francis Scott Key, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 35-45 minutes

Discovery Reading

A printable Discovery Reading is included in the student pack as a support for understanding the experience’s core content and concepts. This Discovery Reading is not necessary to complete the experience and serves as an optional support resource.

Vocabulary Words:

These vocabulary words are used in the experience or connect closely to the standards and content students examine. Students should understand these terms as they work through the experience.

impressment: the practice of British ships taking American sailors and forcing them to serve in the British navy
War Hawks: members of Congress who strongly pushed the United States to go to war with Great Britain in 1812
Treaty of Ghent: the agreement signed in 1814 that ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain
manufacturing: making goods in factories or workshops; during the war, American manufacturing grew because trade with Europe became harder
Era of Good Feelings: a period after the War of 1812 when national pride grew in the United States
Francis Scott Key: the man who wrote a poem after seeing the attack on Fort McHenry; the poem later became “The Star-Spangled Banner”
The Star-Spangled Banner: the national anthem of the United States, based on a poem about the American flag still flying after the Battle of Fort McHenry

Objectives

Analyze the causes and effects of the War of 1812
Explain the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

Engage

Recall that France sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803. At the time, France and Great Britain were at war in Europe. Their fighting caused problems for the United States. It especially troubled American ships and sailors. In this experience, you will learn how these issues caused the United States to declare war on Great Britain in 1812. You'll learn about the conflicts that led to this decision.

Objectives

Analyze the causes and effects of the War of 1812
Explain the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

war scene with a city on fire, cannons shooting with American flags flying, boats approaching a beach

The taking of the city of Washington in America, by West Smithfield, 1814

Study the image shown above. It is entitled The taking of the city of Washington in America, and it was created in 1814. The title of this lesson is “The War of 1812.”

Consider these two titles and any other facts you know, and describe what you think is happening in the drawing.

Post your answer

Accept any reasonable answers at this point. You can revisit the image after completing scene 3.

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