War of 1812 Student Activities

After the necessary research, compile a Personality Profile of either J.C. Calhoun or Henry Clay.

As a map exercise, locate the various Canadian-American borders. Indicate on the map when each border was decided.

Draw a battle plan of Queenston Heights and then explained what happened during the engagement.

In chart form list the strategic and military advantages and disadvantages of both sides at the start of the War.

List the causes of the War of 1812.

What is the irony involved in the Battle of New Orleans?

Why do Americans typically refer to the War of 1812 as the Second War of Independence?

Why was the Battle of Tippecanoe important?

Examine the portrait of Isaac Brock. Identify three personality traits you see in his profile.

From the painting of the Battle of Stoney Creek, what weapons can you observe being used. Given the weapons and the terrain, what would the best strategy by? Why?

Make a PowerPoint presentation of the major battles of the War of 1812.

Were the British justified in impressing sailors into the British Navy? Why or why not?

Make a series of contemporary newspaper headlines for the major battles of the War of 1812.

Working in groups, image that you are Brock's chief military planners. What would you advise is the best plan? Why?

Rank order the causes of the War of 1812.

Was the War of 1812 more significant for the United States or for British North America? Why?

What does the diplomatic settlement "status quo ante bellum" mean? What does it indicate about the fighting that has preceded it? What does it say about the original causes of the war?

Why is Charles-Michel de Salaberry regarded as a great French Canadian hero?

Why is Laura Secord regarded as a great Canadian heroine?

Why was the United States so confident on the eve of the War of 1812?

Debate, either in triads or as an entire class, the following resolution: Resolved that the War of 1812 was the birthplace of nationalism.

Did the Chesapeake and Leopard incident foreshadow the coming of the War of 1812? Explain.

Many wars are known by different names by different countries. Brainstorm a list of examples. Is the difference in names important? Why or why not?

Was President Madison justified in declaring war? Why or why not?

Were the Americans justified in arguing that as a non-belligerent they should be allowed to freely conduct trade with whomever they wanted? Explain your position.

What significant conclusions can you make about the location of the major battles of the War of 1812 from the map at the beginning of the chapter?

Write an internal British memorandum explaining why the Western forts are going to be retained.

Compare the painting of Brock dying with the paintings of Wolfe dying on the Plains of Abraham. What similarities can you detect? Why?

How significant were the War Hawks in the coming of the War of 1812?

Is Laura Secord deserving of her reputation as a fearless heroine? Why or why not?

Select one cause as the fundamental cause of the War of 1812. Defend your choice with historical evidence.

What view did North American aboriginals take of the two sides pitted against each other in the War of 1812?

What was the significance of the Americans burning York and the British and Canadians burning Washington?