Summary: In this lesson, students will analyze the causes, events, and effect of the War of 1812 from a New Jersey perspective. They will identify ways in which the Embargo Act impacted the economy of New Jersey; evaluate newspaper articles to determine whether New Jersey representatives should have supported or opposed the War of 1812; explain perspectives of New Jersey citizens and determine if the War in 1812 was to their benefit or detriment; describe how the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans parties used national interests in their New Jersey campaigns; and finally, explain how New Jersey voters were impacted by national events when voting for President in the elections of 1812 and 1816.
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- NEW JERSEY: How have changes in New Jersey during this time period influenced U.S. history?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.3.a: Analyze primary and secondary sources to determine the extent to which local and state issues, publications, and the rise of interest group and party politics impacted the development of democratic institutions and practices.
Link to Lesson: New Jersey and the War of 1812