About This Lesson
Who was Dolley Madison, and how did she help shape the role of the first lady?
In this lesson, students watch a short video exploring Dolley Madison's influence on American politics and her lasting impact on the role of the first lady. Students learn how her leadership, diplomacy, and ability to bring people together helped define the position, while also examining the contradictions of her legacy, including her participation in slavery and the sale of enslaved people to pay off her debts.
Accompanying middle school and high school worksheets encourage students to analyze primary ideas from the video, evaluate historical evidence, and consider how historians remember complex historical figures. Through discussion and reflection, students will explore themes of political influence, historical legacy, civic leadership, and the importance of telling a complete and honest account of the past.
This lesson includes:
- A short educational video
- A middle school worksheet
- A high school worksheet
