The War of 1812

Discussion Topic

Some people call the War of 1812 the second war of independence. In this discussion, you'll look closely at the outcome of the war, and you'll decide for yourself whether the U.S. was better off after the conflict ended.

Discuss at least one of the following questions with your classmates. Be sure to support your arguments with evidence from your reading:

• In the War of 1812, the U.S. lost money, resources, and lives, and the British even sacked the capital. Was it worth it?
• The Treaty of Ghent returned the U.S. and Britain to the status quo ante bellum (state of affairs before the war). Was the U.S. better off after the war?
• What did the U.S. gain by fighting the War of 1812? Was it a fair exchange for what it gave up?

Required Reading

Before you enter the discussion, be sure to read the related pages in your textbook. If you're using Tindall and Shi, see:

8th Edition	7th Edition	6th Edition	5th Edition
Chapter 9, pages 359-375	Chapter 9, pages 334-350	Chapter 9, pages 354-372	Chapter 9, pages 387-406

Scoring

This discussion is worth a maximum of 15 points. You'll get 10 points for your first post. Your instructor will give you another 5 points if you post a follow-up comment or question that furthers the discussion.

Debating The National Bank

Discussion Topic

One of the many issues over which Federalists and Democratic-Republicans disagreed was whether to establish a national bank. In this discussion, you'll read the arguments of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson to better understand each man's position on this question.

After reading their arguments, answer the questions below. You should post to the discussion at least twice.

• What exactly did Hamilton argue?
• What exactly did Jefferson argue?
• Do you agree with your classmates' interpretations of their arguments?
• Who do you think had a better argument? Why?
• Does either author use evidence that is or isn't especially convincing? Explain.
• Based on information from your textbook or from the study, what do you know about these men that may better help you understand their arguments?
• What other arguments might these men use in a political speech to gain support for their side?

Required Reading

Before you enter the discussion, be sure to click reading and read the following documents:

• Hamilton Argues for the Constitutionality of the National Bank
• Jefferson Argues Against the Constitutionality of a National Bank

Scoring

This discussion is worth a maximum of 15 points. You'll get 10 points for your first post. Your instructor will give you another 5 points if you post a follow-up comment or question that furthers the discussion.