War of 1812 Political Cartoons-Viewpoints of Americans

Explore the attitudes and viewpoints of Americans during the War of 1812 by analyzing four political cartoons from the early 1800s. The lesson begins with students discussing symbols that represent America and where these symbols are used. Next, the class will discuss the possible meaning of other symbols such as a tombstone, olive branch or skull and crossbones. Then discussion turns to why political cartoons and propaganda posters utilize the use of symbols. The class learns that the purpose of the activity is for students to analyze four political cartoons from the War of 1812 to determine the viewpoints of Americans during this conflict. The class next learns of the purpose of political cartoons and the tools that a cartoonist employs to share their point of view. After debriefing political cartoons in general, each pair will participate in a political cartoon sort. Each pair receives an envelope with four political cartoon images, captions, titles, phrases from thought bubbles and descriptors of the cartoons. Pairs must sort the documents into the four different cartoons. Students will then analyze each cartoon to determine the purpose of the cartoonist and the viewpoints Americans had at different points in the war. Finally, the class will debrief the four political cartoons to determine the thoughts and feelings of Americans at the time of the War of 1812.

When you purchase this activity, you will receive:

-Teacher Directions

-Power point to guide instruction

-Warm Up Activity

-Handout, Political Cartoons

-Handout, How to “Read” a Political Cartoon

-Four Political Cartoons from War of 1812

-62 Descriptors, Titles & Quotes from the Political Cartoons

-Chart, Analysis of Political Cartoons

-Analysis of War of 1812 Political Cartoon Questions

-Answer Key for the Cartoon Sort

-Answer Key for Chart, Analysis of Political Cartoons

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