Lesson
Andrew Jackson’s Courageous Decision at New Orleans
In this lesson, students will learn about the courageous actions Andrew Jackson took during the Battle of New Orleans. Students will learn how courage shaped Jackson’s life and see how imperative it was to his success. Students will also learn how being courageous can positively affect their own identity and purpose.
Founding Principles
Virtues
Guiding questions
Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.
- What challenges are you facing?
- What fears or concerns might you have?
- What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?
Observation Questions
- Who was Andrew Jackson?
- What about Andrew Jackson’s decisions during the Battle of New Orleans are considered courageous?
- What do Andrew Jackson’s decisions say about his identity?
Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.
- What is the historical context of the narrative?
- What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
- How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
- How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
- How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
- What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
- Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
- How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?
Learning objectives
- Students will analyze Andrew Jackson’s decisions during the Battle of New Orleans and the actions he took throughout his life
- Students will understand how they can make courageous decisions
- Students will apply their knowledge of courage to decision making in their own lives
Lesson Components
Standards
Advanced Placement
- Courage,
Check whether this resource aligns with your state’s standards →