Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: Annexation
Read this brief overview of the events leading to the annexation of Texas to the United States in 1845.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: Expansion and War: The United States 1840 1860
Article on the era of westward expansion and the resulting Mexican American War. The author demonstrates how Manifest Destiny and frontier settlement led to the annexation of Texas and ultimately war with Mexico over the territory.
San Jacinto Museum of History
San Jacinto Museum: How Did the Battle of San Jacinto Change the World?
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.
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...
US Department of State
U.s. Department of State: Office of the Historian: Milestones: 1830 1860
Concisely written accounts of three important events in the history and shaping of Texas: the Annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War, and the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: The Crisis of the Union (1835 1860)
Teachers and students will enhance their lessons with the videos, lessons, and slideshows presented. This unit sets the stage for a nation expanding west following the Texas Revolution.
Other
Dmwv: The u.s. Mexican War: 1846 1848
Dedicated to the memory of U.S. veterans who fought in the U.S.-Mexican War, this website provides documents, images, maps, and FAQs.
iCivics
I Civics: A Growing Nation
In this unit, students learn how the United States began to grow as soon as it became a nation, and they examine the effect of this growth on societies already established in North America. Register for a free account to download teacher...
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 4: A House Divided
This extensive learning module examines how the United States became more connected with the world as it pursued an expansionist foreign policy, became the destination for many new immigrants, and encouraged migration to the Pacific...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Learning Lab: The Expansion of the United States, 1846 48
This online lesson plan shows young scholars through primary sources how the borders of the U.S. changed in just a few years. They are asked to analyze maps and use map skills. All maps and worksheets are included as well as additional...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Fort Scott National Historic Site: The Mexican War
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.
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Lincoln's Spot Resolutions
This "Teaching with Documents" lesson on Lincoln's spot resolutions explores the Mexican War, Lincoln's questioning of the propriety of the war, and the power of the U.S. President at that time. Content includes extensive historical...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: North America, 1840
A map of North America in 1840 at the time when the concept of "Manifest Destiny" was being applied to annex the Oregon Territory, Texas, and much of northern Mexico into the United States. The map is color-coded to show the extent of...