Through the Perilous Fight: Life during the War of 1812
A Decisive Path
by Lynda Hampshire, Sunderland Elementary School, Calvert County
*To be used after Making a Timeline activity
Objective:
Analyze the chronology and significance of key historical events leading to early settlement in
Maryland and colonial America. (Standard 5.1)
Evaluate alternative solutions to problems of the past or present, using informed decision-making
and measuring the impact of a decision on the future. (Standard 4.1)
Use historically accurate resources to answer questions, make predictions, and support ideas.
(Standard 4.2.a)
Grade: 4th, 5th, and 8th
Length: 60 minutes
Materials:
 Timeline laminated sheets with image/date on them
 Catalog cards for each event
 Research from extension activity
 Making a Decision organizer
Overview: In this lesson, students are asked to examine an event to determine choices, possible
outcomes, and effects of the decision.
Procedure:
1. After completing the Timeline and research activity, set out the events during the War of
1812. Discuss the relationship of one event being a catalyst to the next, a reaction to an
action.
2. Examine the events of the Baltimore Riots.
(http://www.xtimeline.com/evt/view.aspx?id=21568 for background)
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3. Use the Making a Decision organizer. Lead students to determine why the riots occurred.
(the newspaper was against the war)
4. Listing the riot as one option to resolve the conflict. Brainstorm and alternative reaction to
problem. (boycott the newspaper, picket the newspaper, etc.)
5. As a class, list the positive and negative results for each option.
6. In the Decision section, write the actual event that occurred. (offices destroyed by a mob, editors
removed from jail and tortured, one editor died)
7. Discuss the implications of this decision. (Was it the best way to solve the problem? What effect did
it have?)
8. Assign groups of three or four students an event from the War of 1812. Using the research
previously completed, analyze the decision using the Making a Decision organizer.
9. Have groups share their options and outcomes with the class.
Related Resources:
Timeline of the War of 1812
http://www.xtimeline.com/evt/view.aspx?id=21568
Alexander Contee Hanson
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Making a Decision Organizer
Choices
Possible Results
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