Who Was Benjamin Harrison? Educational Resources K12 Learning, United States, History Lesson Plans, Activities, Experiments, Homeschool Help

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Benjamin Harrison was the first president to have a grandfather who also served as president many years before him (48 years to be exact). He was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the 9^th president of the United States. He was also named for one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

His bloodline and family connection to the early U.S. government is deeply ingrained and had a significant impact on his morals and ethics. Discover more about the 23^rd president of the United States and how his presidency altered the path of the United States government.

Throughout political history, many family members served in the same offices and left behind legacies.

For example, John Adams was the father of John Quincy Adams, and they both held the office of president, 28 years apart.

Think about the influences your parents, grandparents, and other family members have on your life and how they have shaped who you have become.

Do you believe that, without their guidance and teachings, you would have the same beliefs, morals, and ethics that you do now?
Do you think they had a lot to do with who you are as a person?

Write a paragraph about how your family (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, etc.) has influenced your opinions, feelings, knowledge, and morals. Be sure to include how these influences may impact your future goals.

William Henry Harrison was only president for one month; he passed away from an illness only one month after his first speech. He was Benjamin Harrison's grandfather for eight years before he died. The influence the elder Harrison had on the 23^rd president extended farther than the eight years they knew each other.

The legacy of family morals and ethics that is passed down from generation to generation becomes part of a person. Consider this concept when watching the video below, and take notes that apply to this idea.

As you watch Benjamin Harrison, from The American Presidents series, list traits, experiences, morals, decisions, and any other facts you believe were influenced by Harrison's grandfather:

In the Got It? section, there is an extensive list of facts about Benjamin Harrison. Decide if any of these facts resulted from the direct influence of Harrison's upbringing.