Curated OER
Making A New Nation
Eighth graders read standard road maps and topographical maps, and examine the lives of pathfinders who opened the trails to the West. They develop Living History presentations, role-playing a character from the past.
Curated OER
Southern Agriculture and the Slave Trade
Students examine the relationship between agriculture and the slave trade during the 1860s. In groups, they research how two factors led to the explosion of slavery in the Southern United States. Using maps, they answer comprehension...
OpenStax
Open Stax: u.s. History: The Westward Spirit
From a chapter on America's expansion westward in a history textbook. This section looks at how Americans felt about westward expansion in the mid-1800s, and ways that the federal government promoted migration. Includes review questions.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Westward
Overview of U.S. westward expansion during the 1800s.
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.
US National Archives
Docsteach: The Impact of Westward Expansion on Native American Groups
In this activity, students will examine the impact of westward expansion and settlement on Native American groups following the Civil War. Students will explore a variety of documents to get a sense of the issues faced by Native...
PBS
Wgbh/pbs: Westward Expansion 1860 1890
Many changes across the country during the westward expansion were features that could be captured on a map. Review this map and select characteristics to be illustrated. Characteristics such as population, major cities, railroads, and...
Read Works
Read Works: Westward Expansion the Oregon Trail
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about traveling along the Oregon Trail during the Westward Expansion. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
OpenStax
Open Stax: u.s. History: Independence for Texas
From a chapter on America's expansion westward in a history textbook. This section looks at Texas's struggle for independence from Mexico, and the relations between Mexico and Texas prior to and after independence. Includes review...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Manifest Destiny
A look at the reasons for westward expansion, known as Manifest Destiny. Economic, religious, and cultural reasons pushed Americans from sea to shining sea.
![U.s. Mint: Let's Build a Map [Pdf] Lesson Plan](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/249029-024660939f27fa1ea8589c5fba13f0e6.jpg?1661243095 "U.s. Mint: Let's Build a Map [Pdf] Lesson Plan")
US Mint
U.s. Mint: Let's Build a Map [Pdf]
In this four-part lesson, students study the map of the Louisiana Purchase and the trail of Lewis and Clark's Expedition. Then, build a classroom map displaying the events of the Westward Expansion.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Importance of the West
Westward migration, west of the Appalachians, resulted in a rapid population growth. Read about where the population exploded, and why the inland rivers were so important to the growth.
![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...
The History Cat
The History Cat: u.s. History: The Oregon Trail
A glimpse at life on the Oregon Trail during 19th-century westward expansion. Written humorously with teen learners in mind, students can view original photographs and read excerpts from pioneer diaries for a sense of the arduous journey.
Read Works
Read Works: Westward Expansion Westward Expansion Timeline
[Free Registration/Login Required] A timeline of westward expansion in the United States. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
![U.s. Mint: Which Came First? [Pdf] Lesson Plan](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/249028-fe9fd34e9fd91c5e0f661d831bfde2a1.jpg?1661243091 "U.s. Mint: Which Came First? [Pdf] Lesson Plan")
US Mint
U.s. Mint: Which Came First? [Pdf]
Introduce students to the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark's Expedition. Then, using the tails side of the Keelboat Nickel as a guide, make a timeline of the westward journey.
Read Works
Read Works: Westward Expansion the Erie Canal
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the building of the Erie Canal. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Westward Expansion the West, an American Symbol
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the recognition of American Authors in the 19th century. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Westward Expansion the California Gold Rush
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the discovery of gold along the West Coast. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Westward Expansion the Pony Express
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the Pony Express. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Read Works
Read Works: Westward Expansion the Story of the Alamo
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about the battle at the Alamo. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: The Religious Origins of Manifest Destiny
Essay discussing Manifest Destiny and divine providence in westward expansion. Questions for student writing and discussion, scholars debate and links to related resources.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Urban Growth and Westward Expansion
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart covers the rise in population in American cities in the late 1800's and westward expansion.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Conflict of Cultures: President Polk and the Taking of the West
Lesson and activity on conflict of cultures in which students study U.S. overtaking lands of Mexico and California and form policy on property rights and citizenship of conquered cultures. Activity guidelines, questions for discussion...