The War of 1812 and Native Americans

Lesson Overview

Grade Level: 7
Subject: U.S. History
Duration: 40 minutes
Curriculum Reference: Common Core State Standards for History/Social Studies (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2 & RH.6-8.4)

Objective:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain the role and significance of Native American tribes during the War of 1812.
2. Analyze the impact of the war on Native American communities, particularly the Shawnee.
3. Discuss the leadership and death of Tecumseh and its effect on Native American resistance.

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Materials Needed

• A printed or projected map of North America, circa 1812
• A portrait/image of Tecumseh
• Small index cards with historical quotes and key facts
• A brief excerpt from a Tecumseh speech (teacher-read or audio if available)
• Whiteboard and markers

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Lesson Structure

1. Bell Ringer (5 minutes) - “A Moment in History”

As students enter, project an image of Tecumseh on the board without context. Ask:

• “Who do you think this person is?”
• “Based on his appearance/dress, what can we infer about his life and role in history?”

Give students a minute to write quick thoughts on a sticky note and place them on the whiteboard.

Transition: "Today, we’ll uncover who this man was and why his leadership mattered during a major U.S. war."

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2. Engaging Mini-Lecture (10 minutes) - “The War of 1812 and Native Americans”

Use a printed/projected map to briefly review why the U.S. went to war against Britain in 1812. Emphasize:

• The British supplying weapons to Native tribes.
• Native American resistance against U.S. expansion.
• Native alliances with the British.

Then, introduce Tecumseh, using key facts to highlight his leadership:

• Shawnee leader who sought to unite Native tribes.
• Allied with the British against U.S. settlers.
• Died in the Battle of the Thames (1813), leading to the collapse of Native resistance in the Northwest.

Key Question: "What do you think Tecumseh’s death meant for Native Americans?"

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3. Interactive Activity (15 minutes) - “Walk in Their Shoes”

Distribute index cards with short historical quotes or perspectives:

• A quote from Tecumseh.
• A statement from a U.S. settler.
• A British general’s viewpoint.
• A Native American warrior’s perspective.

In small groups, students take turns reading their quotes aloud and determining how their person would feel about:

1. The war itself.
2. The loss of Tecumseh.
3. Future Native American resistance.

After discussion, each group shares insights with the class.

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4. Closing Reflection (8 minutes) - "What If?"

Pose this scenario:
"What if Tecumseh had survived and continued to unite Native tribes? How might history have changed?"

Students write a 3-sentence response in their notebooks, and a few volunteers share.

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Assessment & Wrap-Up

Formative Assessment:

• Participation in group discussion.
• Responses to “What If?” scenario.

Exit Ticket:
Before leaving, students complete a flashcard with:

1. One fact about Tecumseh.
2. One impact the War of 1812 had on Native Americans.
3. One remaining question they have.

The teacher collects these to assess understanding and guide the next lesson.

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Differentiation & Extension

• For Struggling Students: Provide a sentence starter for the “What If?” reflection.
• For Advanced Learners: Assign a research takeaway – “Find and share another Native leader who resisted U.S. expansion.”

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Teacher Reflection

After class, consider:

• Did students engage with Tecumseh’s story?
• Were they able to connect broader themes of loss and resistance?
• What questions arose that should be explored further?

This lesson blends history with critical thinking, allowing students to empathize with historical figures while enhancing their analytical skills. 🎯