Introduce a study of the presidency of Andrew Jackson with a lesson that uses video clips, primary source documents, group activities, and debates to examine Jackson's early life and career. The lesson focuses on the 1828 election and events of his presidency, including the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Concepts

andrew jackson, indian removal, the indian removal act, the trail of tears

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Slow down the pace and extend the lesson over several days

Classroom Considerations

• A link to a similar lesson designed for AP level classes is provided below
• The resource assumes class members have previous knowledge of Jackson's role in the War of 1812 and the battles of Horseshoe Bend and New Orleans

Pros

• The 20-page packet includes background information for instructors, links to primary source documents, a PowerPoint presentation, the cartoon assignment, and a rubric

Cons

• Instructors must provide their own transcripts of the primary source documents

Common Core

RI.9-10.1 RI.11-12.1 RH.9-10.1 RH.11-12.1