We would never take your land… (do you want to sell it?): Analyzing Jefferson’s language, intent, and policies toward American Indians

Duration: 50-90 minutes
Overview

In this lesson students will compare two letters written by President Thomas Jefferson around the same time, specifically addressing the issue of acquisition of Native lands by white settlers.  Students will consider the message and audience of each letter and try to come to a consensus on Jefferson's true motives regarding the land and the…

View and Download
View Lesson Plan     Download
Handouts (PDF Format)
  • Two letters from President Jefferson about American Indians     View  |  Download

Download All Materials
Grade Level

Middle School

Type of Lesson

Document Analysis

Interdisciplinary Connections

Language Arts/Reading in the Content Area: close reading, document analysis, synthesis of multiple texts

Author Info

Kimberly de Berzunza
kdeberzunza@sandi.net
Longfellow Spanish Immersion Magnet School
5055 July St
CA
San Diego, CA 92110