The three lessons in this unit explore a debate about US entry into the Mexican-American War. In the first lesson, the students will analyze President James Polk’s message to Congress requesting a declaration of war against Mexico in 1846. In the second lesson, the students will analyze a speech made by Representative Joshua Giddings, in which he challenged Polk and raised new questions about slaveholders’ interests. You will assess students’ understanding by reviewing their participation in a mock debate.
Lesson Plan Author: Tim Baliey
Historical Background Essay by: Pedro Santoni, California State University, San Bernardino
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.6: Evaluate authors’ differing points of view on the same historical event or issue by assessing the authors’ claims, reasoning, and evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.2: Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; summarize complex information presented in a text by paraphrasing them in simpler but still accurate terms.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.a: Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
How did political leaders explain why they favored or opposed a US declaration of war upon Mexico?
How did ongoing debates about slavery shape the question of war with Mexico?
James K. Polk, excerpts from “Hostilities by Mexico: A Message from the President of the United States of America,” Congressional Globe, May 11, 1946
Joshua Giddings, excerpts from his statement before the House of Representatives, Congressional Globe, May 12, 1846