Teacher Guide
First Four U.S. Presidencies
Getting Started
Watch the PBS video “The American Capital Burns” for an introduction to the War of 1812.
Opening Discussion
George Washington was the first president of the United States, thus giving him the title “father of his country”. Washington was a powerful political leader, and an admirable military commander during his two terms in office. His portrait was hung in the first White House as a symbol of strength and leadership. His importance to American history is timeless. His face can be found on numerous monuments, paintings, and on the one dollar bill.
During The War of 1812, the British made a move towards the town of Washington to deliver a crippling blow to the Americans. Hours before British troops stormed the White House, the President's wife, Dolley Madison, saved a famous painting of George Washington from falling into the hands of the enemy. She believed that Washington’s painting was a powerful symbol of victory over the British during the American Revolution. Even though the British were successful in their attack upon the capital, the United States learned many valuable lessons, including the importance of a national army. The painting, still hanging in the White House today, remains a symbol of American history.
Discuss with your class the role of symbolism in building an identity for a nation, school, or family. Are there any important symbolic objects that your school or family treasures? Why is it symbolic? How would you feel if that object fell into the hands of an enemy?
Activities:
- Make a Timeline
Expedition of Lewis and Clark
View Activity - Make a Timeline
War of 1812
View Activity - Make a Graphic Novel, Comic Strip, or ...
The New Frontier
View Activity - Extension / Modification
Graphic Novel (Extension / Modification)
Create a Graphic Novel depicting the fall of Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn.
- Extension / Modification
Poster (Extension / Modification)
Create an informative Poster to be used to convince people to settle the West.
Concluding Discussion
Watch the movie “Little Big Man” with your class to better understand the life of a settler in the new frontier. The movie will also illustrate the poor relations between settlers and aboriginals at this time. Further research and time can be spent learning about Colonel Custer and the Battle of Little Bighorn through various activities. (Note: the movie is rated PG-13 and should be previewed for suitability.)
