You, your classmates, and your community are diverse whether you realize it or not. You probably come from different heritages, have differing religious beliefs, and have different family backgrounds. This is no different than both the American Indians already living in America, as well as the first colonists who came here. How did so many nationalities, cultural backgrounds, ethnic origins, and religious beliefs all end up in one country? This unit will guide you to understand how European, American Indian, Asian, and African people all came to live together in the Western Hemisphere.

This lesson focuses on the War of 1812 - causes and effects, and on using primary sources. American symbols related to the War of 1812 are included. Students recognize political, economic, geographic, and social influences on events.

Students and teachers can review ths resource to learn about the life of Native Americans who were in the Chesapeake Region of the United States.

Students learn about the political, economic, and geographic regional differences that led to conflict in the United States through map sketches, primary sources, problem-solving and points of view.