Building Blocks for History Lab:
SS.8.A.4.8 Describe the influence of individuals on social and political developments of this era in American History.
Essential Question: Was the election of Andrew Jackson a victory for the common man?
Before introducing this history lab to students, they must be familiar with Andrew Jackson, and various events that occurred during his presidency. In order to analyze source 1, students should be familiar with the Indian Removal Act, which Jackson signed in order to force Native Americans to relocate from their homelands primarily in the Southeast, and its impact on Native Americans. Knowing about the Trail of Tears would be helpful, for example. In order to understand source 2, students must know that Jackson promoted himself as a “common man,” and when he was inaugurated, invited the public to celebrate at the White House as a symbolic gesture. The image depicts this event, so not having that background will make it difficult for students to understand what they are looking at. In order to understand source 3, students should know that Jackson was a hero of the War of 182, helping to win the Battle of New Orleans, and that he was given the name “Old Hickory” because his troops said he was “tough as old hickory.” Finally, in order to fully understand source 4, students should be familiar with Jackson’s veto of the National Bank, which was met with much controversy between those who supported a national banking system and those who opposed it. Students should be familiar with the following key terms:
· Andrew Johnson
· Indian Removal Act
· Trail of Tears
· Battle of New Orleans
· Old Hickory
· National Bank / Bank veto / Bank War
Name ______Period _____ Date ______
SS.8.A.4.8 Describe the influence of individuals on social and political developments of this era in American History.
Essential Question: Was the election of Andrew Jackson a victory for the common man?
Source / Main Idea / Message / Important Details / How does this document answer the essential question?Source 1
Congressional bill, Indian Removal Act, 1830
Source 2
Image, “President’s Levee,” Robert Cruikshank, 1841
Source 3
Campaign poster, 1828
Source 4
Political cartoon, “Born to Command, King Andrew the First,” c. 1833
Thesis: ______
Source 1 – Congressional bill that became Indian Removal Act after Jackson signed it into law in 1830
Source 2 – Image depicting Jackson’s inauguration, “President’s Levee, or all Creation Going to the White House,” Robert Cruikshank, 1841
Source 3 – Presidential campaign poster for Andrew Jackson, 1828
Source 4 – Political cartoon, “Born to Command, King Andrew the First,” c. 1833