Nativist Riots of Philadelphia and the Rise of the “Know Nothings”: 1840s and 1850s
In this lesson students will examine the nativist sentiment in 1850s Philadelphia and draw connections to America’s reaction to 9-11. In this cooperative activity students will enhance their document analysis skills when examining primary sources from the anti-Catholic press of 1850 and by looking at the Know-Nothing party platform in the 1840s / 1850s.

Ordinance of Nullification
In this lesson, students will research and prepare for a debate between the three perspectives on the nullification of the protective tariff. 

The Panic of 1837
The causes and the effects of the Panic of 1837

Seminole Wars
Evaluate the U.S. government’s policies/actions regarding the Seminoles

The Compromise of 1850
As sectionalism caused the rift between the North and the South to spread, the task of adding new states as a result of the territory gained from Mexico brought about the real possibility of secession.  Although the original Compromise of 1850 did temporarily maintain the integrity of the Union, it did not provide a permanent solution and was controversial for reversing the decisions rendered by the Missouri Compromise.  During this lesson, students will be assigned the role of a prominent political leader from the time period to research.  Based on the actual beliefs of their assigned historical leader, students will hold a Congressional Committee hearing with the goal of reaching a compromise that will provide a longer lasting solution.

Know Nothings
This lesson will introduce students to the principles and beliefs of the Know Nothings and the Native American Party through propaganda.  Additionally students will get experience using propaganda as a vehicle for introducing a political platform and influencing the electorate.

The Barbary Wars
In this lesson, students will have the opportunity to learn about the Barbary Wars through art.  They will be introduced to the wars by way of a series of comic strips.  After learning the essentials, they then will analyze artwork depicting people and events from the Barbary Wars by using a cubing activity.

Lowell Mills Girls
Students will focus on the development of the industrialization of the northeast during the years 1820-1860. Students will examine the role of the Lowell Mill Girls in the development of the textile industry. Students will be provided with a background overview of the Lowell Mill Girls work in the textile mills of the northeast via a handout that highlights their lives and working conditions. Students will view a United Streaming video clip that highlights some of the working and living conditions of these girls. We will encourage student feedback through a brief group discussion about the video. Students will then be assigned to work in one of four groups. Each group will be asked to read background information and formulate an opinion about the concept of young girls working and living under such conditions. Groups will identify the reasons why the Lowell Mill Girls decided to establish a labor reform association. Finally, students will provide a written response to their specific viewpoint for the purpose of class presentation. 

Missouri Compromise
This one-block (80 minutes) lesson will focus on the Missouri Compromise as well as the perspectives of both Thomas Jefferson and John Jay. Students will be provided with an introduction into the purpose behind a compromise, what the Missouri Compromise was, as well as its relevance to the eventual abolishment of slavery in the states. Students will then be assigned to work in one of 2 groups (Jefferson or Jay). Groups will be asked to read the teacher handout describing the historical background of each individual and their viewpoints. Groups will analyze the handout to create a list of at least 3 reasons describing why these individuals were either pro-slavery or anti-slavery. Groups will use an overhead transparency to display their lists for the purpose of class presentation. 

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