U.S. History: Western Expansion- “I Hear America Singing”: Controversy and Music in the Mexican War

This lesson explores some  of the controversy surrounding the U.S. involvement in the Mexican War through the lyrics of period songs.

Weblink address (URL): 
“I Hear America Singing”: Controversy and Music in the Mexican War
Home Page for the Lesson Plan- Source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

The learner will interpret primary source documents to determine different perspectives on the Mexican War, and will compare the controversy of the Mexican War to modern wars.

Social Studies
8.49: Analyze the concept of Manifest Destiny and its impact on the development of the nation, and describe the economic incentives for westward expansion.
8.54: Describe the causes and consequences of the Mexican War, including the controversy over the Rio Grande boundary and the Mexican Cession. 

Essential and guiding questions: 

How can period music help us understand the different perspectives on the Mexican War?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Analyzing
Extension suggestions: 

Present students with the popular World War I song “Over There” by George Cohan (listed under “Optional resources” on page 2). Ask them to compare and contrast “Over There” with the other songs.
Play “General Taylor Storming Monterey” (from America’s Library; listed under “Optional Resources” on page 2) without telling students the title. Ask them to decide if it is a prowar or anti-war song based on the music and lyrics. Discuss their responses.
Challenge students to find recent songs and/or music videos that express a pro- or anti-war sentiment in regards to current U.S. military involvement in the Middle East. Share with the class as appropriate.*
* Teachers should carefully preview all student-selected materials and be sensitive to those students who have a family member or friend serving in the military, and to those students with cultural connections to the Middle East.

Helpful Hints

MATERIALS USED:

  • The death of Ringgold [1857]
  • Eight dollars a day [1848]
  • Over there [1917]
  • Over there (audiofile) [1917]
  • General Taylor Storming Montgomery