LE1-C5S7T1pg335-340 From the Halls of Montezuma – The Marine Corps (1775-1848)

Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce you to the rich and varied history of the Marine Corps.

1. Identify the origins of the Marine Corps.

2. Identify heroes of the early Marine Corps and describe their contributions.

3. Define qualities of individuals who contributed to the early development of the Marine Corps.

4. Describe significant battles of the early history of the Marine Corps.

5. Explain the significance of the line, “From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli.”

CPS Lesson Questions (1-2)

How much do you already know about the history of the Marine Corps?A. Expert – I have done a lot of learning in this area

already. B. Above average – I have learned some information

about this topic. C. Moderate – I know a little about this topic.D. Rookie – I am a blank slate… but ready to learn.

True or False: July 10, 1798 is the birthday of the Marines.

A. TrueB. False November 10, 1775

List 2-3 things that you think might have been some of the early struggles of the Marine Corps.

(Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)

On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress established two battalions of Marines.

This resolution, signed by John Hancock, instituted the American Marines.

Three weeks later, Samuel Nicholas was commissioned as the first officer of the Marines and its first commandant.

Marines fought throughout the American Revolution on ships at sea.

They boarded enemy vessels and provided the Navy with a landing force.

In 1798, Congress established the Marine Corps, and William Ward Burrows was given the title of Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.

Pirates from the Barbary states of North Africa – Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli – plundered ships in the Mediterranean sea for centuries.

In 1805, Marines stormed Tripoli; some called this “the most daring act of the age.”

CPS Lesson Question (3-4)

Who was the first commandant of the Marine Corps?

A. John HancockB. William Ward BurrowsC. Samuel Nicholas

What city did the Marines storm in 1805?

A. MoroccoB. AlgiersC. TunisD. Tripoli

The United States declared war on Great Britain on June 12, 1812 because of long simmering disputes.

The central dispute surrounded the impressments of American soldiers by the British.

The Marines fought bravely in several famous battles including the Battle of Bladensburg outside of Washington, DC and the Battle of New Orleans.

In the period between 1815 and 1836, the United States did not engage in any foreign wars.

Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Wharton, commandant from 1804 to 1818, focused on improving the disciplinary system, and improving health and living conditions in marine quarters.

From 1836 to 1846, Mexico and the US had many disputes over the boundary near the Rio Grand river.

In 1846, President Polk addressed Congress asking for and receiving a declaration of war against Mexico.

The decisive battle of the Mexican War was the US attack on Chapultepec (The Halls of Montezuma), a castle that protected the road to Mexico City.

CPS Lesson Question (5-6)

In the period between 1815 and 1836, the United States did not engage in any foreign wars.

A. TrueB. False

“The Halls of Montezuma” refers to a famous battle during the Mexican War that was related to the taking of what castle fortress?

A. TripoliB. ChapultepecC. Neither of the above

List 2-3 things you learned about the Marine Corps history that you did not already know.

(Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)

Images in this lesson were taken from:

Microsoft© Clip Art Gallery Marine Corps Combat Camera MCJROTC Student Text