Essential Question:
Explain the individual human, social, and economic effects of the Great Chicago
Fire of 1871.
Background
Ask anyone what the greatest disaster in Chicago was and
probably no one will say, "The Great Iroquois Theatre
Fire of December 30, 1903." Six hundred three souls
perished in that fire. They probably won’t say,
"The sinking of the Eastland excursion boat in the
Chicago river in 1915." Eight hundred thirty-five
died in that tragedy. The answer will most likely be,
"The Great Chicago Fire." The Great Chicago
Fire of 1871 left approximately three and one third square
miles of the city in ruin, created $192,000,000 in property
damage, and took the lives of some 300 people. But it
also spurred one of the greatest American human triumphs
– out of the disaster and devastation in 1871, Chicago
rebounded and held the World's Columbian Exposition in
1893.
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 is not remembered for the
body count, but for the near inhuman effort of those who
remained amid the ashes, grieving for their lost loved
ones, mourning their destroyed city, and building a better
one that would be a monumental tribute to their strength,
determination, and character. On the ashes of the old,
the present world-class city of Chicago rose as a powerful
and triumphant Phoenix.
Motivational Strategy
Ask students what they know about The Great Chicago Fire
of 1871. Record their responses for all to see. Present
the background information from above, your own summary,
or your textbook’s account of the fire. Ask them
to compare it with their earlier responses. Explain that
in this lesson, after reading some eye-witness accounts
of the fire, they will be responsible for selecting their
own performance tasks or activities.
Objectives
- Students will examine primary documents to analyze the immediate impressions
of eyewitnesses to The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and the impact it had on
their lives.
- Students will analyze primary and secondary documents to explain the effects
of the fire on the city of Chicago.
- Students will select performance tasks (activities)
which best suit their learning styles, or challenge
themselves to attempt another. Each performance task
is an objective in its own right. Words indicating
specific objectives have been underlined throughout
the "Performance Task" handout.
Materials
Performance Tasks / Activities (click
here for the pdf)
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