Procedures

• SET UP

  This lesson offers several options for you to use with your students whether you are teaching in class, using a hybrid model, or engaging through distance learning. It can be completed in steps as a class or students can move at their own pace and complete the activities independently.

  You can post links to the videos in the lesson along with the related handout and engage in discussion to share responses on a discussion board or learning management system.

  You can also save and share the following Google resource for students to use with this lesson.

  Handout: Graphic Organizer (Google Doc).

  In Google, choose "File" then "Make a Copy" to get your own copy. You can make any needed adjustments in the instructions such as which activities students need to complete, when it is due, etc. and then make it available to them via Google.

• WARMUP

  Pose the following brainstorming questions to your students, directing them to record their responses on the Google Doc, share with a partner, and then with the class if they choose.

  • Who is the governor in your state?
  • Briefly describe the process of how that individual is elected.

• VOCABULARY

  Direct your students to their graphic organizers to view and define the vocabulary terms that will appear in the lesson in the chart in their graphic organizer handout. The vocabulary words are also listed to the right on this webpage.

  We recommend having your students complete the activity in a jigsaw format to save time. Or, depending on time and resources, you may consider having your students engage in a Frayer's Model activity, where each student is responsible for completing one or two items. Students can then post their models around the room for reference throughout the lesson.

  Describe the political culture of Rhode Island in the 1800s as Erik Chaput explained. Explain the significance of the election of 1840. Why did Dorr emerge as a spokesman in the 1830s as Erik Chaput discussed? Who was Elisha Potter and what were his views on governance in Rhode Island? What were the two forms of government in Rhode Island at the time?

• INTRODUCTION

  View the following video clip that offers an introduction to what was occurring in Rhode Island's history in the time leading up to Dorr's rebellion in 1842. Student can respond to the accompanying questions on their handout and be prepared to share their responses through class discussion.

  Video Clip 1: Origin of Dorr's Rebellion (4:57)

  Historian Erik Chaput discussed the history and politics of Rhode Island in the 1800s.

  • Describe the political culture of Rhode Island in the 1800s as Erik Chaput explained.

  • Explain the significance of the election of 1840.

  • Why did Dorr emerge as a spokesman in the 1830s as Erik Chaput discussed?

  • Who was Elisha Potter and what were his views on governance in Rhode Island?

  • What were the two forms of government in Rhode Island at the time?

• EXPLORATION:

  Have students view the following collection of video clips. They can watch each video independently, view a video with a partner, or you can jigsaw them by assigning videos to students. Students should respond to the questions on the handout. After viewing the videos, use the accompanying questions to engage in class discussion.

  Video Clip 2: Two Governors of Rhode Island (6:06)

  Historian Erik Chaput talked about Thomas Dorr and Samuel Ward King being elected as governors of the state from two different parties as well the issue of nativism, enfranchisement, and abolition.

  • Who were the two men elected as governors of Rhode Island?

  • What happened when Dorr aimed to enfranchise the Irish immigrant population in the state?

  • Explain the controversy surrounding abolition and suffrage in response to Dorr's ideology and The People's Constitution.

  • How were women involved on the issues?

• Video Clip 3: Support for Thomas Dorr (2:13)

  Historian Erik Chaput discussed the level of support Thomas Dorr had at the time and the reaction of the Charter Government.

  *Discuss the support Dorr had regarding his initiatives.

  • What did the Charter Government declare on May 4, 1842?

  • What action did the General Assembly take?

  • What additional measure did Samuel Ward King take?

• Video Clip 4: Thomas Dorr May 1842 Rebellion (3:37)

  Historian Erik Chaput discussed Thomas Wilson Dorr’s battle plans in May 1842.

  • Explain how events unfolded in RI beginning on May 17, 1842, as Erik Chaput described.

• Video Clip 5: Result of May 1842 Dorr Rebellion (0:33)

  Historian Erik Chaput shared the New York Herald's reporting on the battle.

  • How did the New York Herald describe the aftermath of the battle?

• CONCLUSION:

  View the following video clip as a class and use the accompanying question to guide discussion.

  Video Clip 6: 1842 Rhode Island Constitution (1:16)

  Historian Erik Chaput discussed the new Constitution that was adopted following Dorr's rebellion.

  • Discuss what was included in the new Constitution that was adopted in 1842.

• REFLECTION:

  Ask students to consider the information they learned from viewing the videos as well as class discussion and write a response to the following prompt:

  How do you view Thomas Dorr's actions? Was he justified in his cause? Explain your position.