+
Activity
Curated OER

National Park Service: Fort Scott National Historic Site: The Mexican War

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a very brief overview of the Mexican War, organized into the following sections: "Zachary Taylor's Army," "The Army of the West," and "Invasion of Mexico City." Includes links to related articles and websites.
+
Article
Other

West Virginia University: A Summary of Native American Religions

For Students 9th - 10th
This is an excellent introduction to Native American religious beliefs and practices. Includes an explanation of the major Native American Religions and their history. Site is extensive and exclusively text-based.
+
eBook
Other

Gold, Greed, & Genocide: The Story of California's 1849 Gold Rush

For Students 9th - 10th
Use the table of contents to explore this site which recounts the plight of the Native Americans who lived in California before the Gold Rush and the impact of the gold rush on their lives.
+
Handout
Other

The Gold Rush: Fantastic Facts

For Students 3rd - 8th
This resource provides information about the Gold Rush.
+
Article
Other

Global Security: 54 40 or Fight

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes the significant territorial changes that took place in the United States under the presidency of James K. Polk. These included the annexation of Texas, the settling of the dispute with Great Britain over claims to Oregon...
+
PPT
Tom Richey

Tom Richey: Conquest of the American West

For Students 9th - 10th
This PowerPoint presentation will thoroughly illustrate the significant role the transcontinental railroad played in the economic and cultural development of the nation as it expanded west. What did the political leadership of the nation...
+
Activity
Other

Californians and the Military: John Charles Fremont and the Bear Flag Revolt

For Students 3rd - 8th
A brief retelling of John C. Fremont's expedition to California. Learn about his confrontation with Mexican authorities that led to the Bear Flag Revolt.
+
Article
Texas State Historical Association

Texas State Historical Association: Annexation

For Students 9th - 10th
Read this brief overview of the events leading to the annexation of Texas to the United States in 1845.
+
Article
Charles I. Kelly and Lawrence E. Kelly

Many things.org: In 1845, Republic of Texas Faces a Choice

For Students 5th - 8th
An explanation of the difficulties the Republic of Texas encountered when deciding whether to join the Union. Also discusses President James Polk's efforts to expand the territories held by the United States, which brought him into...
+
Website
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: Aftermath the Reckoning

For Students 9th - 10th
What happened in the 15 years that followed the annexation of Texas? How did the Mexican War end? Read this article to learn about the aftermath of the annexation, and check out primary documents--a "moral map" of the United States and a...
+
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Today in History: January 31: John C. Fremont: The Pathfinder

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of a colorful but controversial character of the West, a candidate for president of the United States, and major-general during the Civil War.
+
Activity
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: The Nation Expands: Mexican Cession, 1848

For Students 9th - 10th
See a map of the land acquired by the United States as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, called the Mexican Cession. From Annenberg Media.
+
Handout
San Jacinto Museum of History

San Jacinto Museum: How Did the Battle of San Jacinto Change the World?

For Students 9th - 10th
This is an interesting look at the impact of the Battle of San Jacinto not only for the Republic of Texas, but for places in North America and in Europe. Links to additional information.
+
Handout
Other

Colorado Historical Society: Kit Carson: A Hero in Fact and Fiction [Pdf]

For Students 3rd - 8th
A short biography of the legend of the West, Kit Carson. PDF (requires Adobe Reader).
+
Website
The History Cat

The History Cat: Westward Expansion

For Students 9th - 10th
Here you can learn about the Oregon Trail, Donner Party, the California Gold Rush, and life as a pioneer through text, images, video, and quotes.
+
Primary
Museum of the City of San Francisco

Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco: The Gold Discovery

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains information on the dramatic impact of the California Gold Rush. From "The History of California," published in 1897.
+
Unit Plan
CommonLit

Common Lit: Traveling West

For Students 5th - 6th
A learning module that begins with "Traveling West" by Barbara Radner, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online through free teacher and...
+
Unit Plan
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Ap Us History Period 4: 1800 1848

For Students 9th - 10th
This Khan Academy resource provides video lessons and detailed notes for the AP U.S. History Exam. The years 1800-1848 are covered.
+
Study Guide
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Ap Us History Period 5: 1844 1877

For Students 11th - 12th
This Khan Academy resource provides a table of contents with notes for several sections of AP US History Period 5: 1844-1877.
+
Handout
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Ap Us History: 1865 1898: Indian Wars and Battle of Little Bighorn

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the series of events and conflicts in the Indian Wars that culminated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, or Custer's Last Stand. Includes questions for students at end.
+
Handout
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Us History: 1865 1898: The Ghost Dance and Wounded Knee

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains the origin of the Ghost Dance movement and the massacre of the Sioux that happened at Wounded Knee. Includes questions for students.
+
Handout
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Ap Us History: 1890 1945: Introduction to the Age of Empire

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the transition of the United States in the late 19th century from an isolationist country into an imperial power with colonies of its own and the reasons for this abrupt change in foreign policy. Includes questions for students...
+
Handout
Museum of the City of San Francisco

Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco: Gold Rush Chronology 1846 1849

For Students 9th - 10th
A nice timeline of events that occurred from 1846 to 1849 in the California Gold Rush. Hyperlinks to additional information. From the Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco.
+
Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: The Mexican American War

For Students 5th - 8th
The Mexican-American War fulfilled James Polk's desire to acquire the territory of New Mexico and California from Mexico. See how the fight was provoked, and read about Stephen Kearny's actions in New Mexico and John Fremont's in...

Other popular searches