Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Education: Art to Zoo What Can You Do With a Portrait?
This is the very first published issue of Art to Zoo. Unlike later issues, it features three separate topics instead of one larger theme. In this issue you can find information and resources for teaching westward expansion and its impact...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Building Unity
Outline of the U.S. and the quest for unity in the early 1800s. Article briefly chronicles events such as the War of 1812 as well as political and economic decisions that created a united America separate from Britain.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Infectious Disease
Investigate the spread of infectious diseases from whites to Native Americans during the westward expansion of the 1800s, and compare cholera to Ebola and other infectious diseases.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail was the important route taken by settlers from the east migrating to build a new life in the western part of the United States covering over 2000 miles.
![U.s. Mint: Our Goal Pole [Pdf] Lesson Plan](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/249027-a06b6e1b3a7aa5c8e4fc49293e940618.jpg?1661243094 "U.s. Mint: Our Goal Pole [Pdf] Lesson Plan")
US Mint
U.s. Mint: Our Goal Pole [Pdf]
In this four-part lesson, students will demonstate knowledge of the sequencing of events by studying the westward journey, use terms that indicate the sequence of events and demonstrate an understanding of certain historical figures in...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Gold in California
The gold rush in California accelerated the western migration of thousands of young American men, who streamed into California to find riches. See who else arrived in California and find out what they did. In addition, there is a map...
PBS
Pbs: The West: Frederick Jackson Turner (1861 1932)
This PBS website provides a brief biographical sketch of Frederick Jackson Turner, and an overview of his theory regarding the significance of the American western frontier as the defining experience in the development of the American...
Other
The Great Plains in Midwestern Culture
Discusses the history of the people on the Great Plains, both the Native Americans and early settlers.
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Frederick Jackson Turner
This site from the Fordham University contains the introductory text of "The Significance of the Frontier in American History, 1893" by Frederick Jackson Turner.
Other
Global Security: 54 40 or Fight
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...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History History Unit: Period 6: 1865 1898: Unit Test
This unit practice test from Khan Academy covers Period 6: 1865-1898 in American History. Western expansion, the Gilded Age, and the "New South" are components of this unit test. This resource is designed as a review for the AP US...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History Unit: Period 6: 1865 1898: Unit Test
This practice exercise from Khan Academy covers Period 6: 1865-1898 in American History. The Gilded Age, Western expansion, and the "New South" are included in the practice. This resource is designed as a review for the AP US History Test.
PBS
Pbs: New Perspectives on the West
This in-depth resource presents a history of the American West from pre-Columbian times until World War I with profiles, documents, and images. It encourages visitors to link these into patterns of historical meaning for themselves....
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: John Tyler
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of John Tyler and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: James K Polk
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of James Polk and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Zachary Taylor
Facts, biography, and accomplishments of the life of Zachary Taylor and summaries of important events during his presidency.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Homestead Act
The purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862 was to shape the future of the Western regions of the United States by taming the region by populating the area with farmers. This article provides an overview of this important political incident...
Library of Congress
Loc: Teachers: Journeys West
A series of lessons utilizing primary texts, including narratives, photographs, and maps, through which students explore the following question: "What motivated thousands of people to journey west during the 1800s?"
Other
Mission Us: Mission 3: A Cheyenne Odyssey
[Free Registration/Login Required] Online game where players become Little Fox, a Northern Cheyenne boy whose life is changed by the encroachment of white settlers, railroads, and U.S. military expeditions. As buffalo diminish and the...
iCivics
I Civics: Manifest Destiny
Students will learn about the ideology of Manifest Destiny and how it affected different populations and demographics of the U.S. during its expansion.
Have Fun With History
Have Fun With History: American West
Learning module with videos and multi-media resources for students and teachers exploring the west and the pioneering spirit of America in 1804.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Californio to American: A Study in Cultural Change
This site has a lesson about the ranching industry, creation of California towns and the changes over time. Contains information, inquiry question, historical context, maps, readings, and images.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Mexican American War
Summarizes the causes of the Mexican American war and provides facts about the history, famous people, and events surrounding it.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Learn interesting facts about the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that ended the American Mexican War (1846-1848).