Makematic
Trails of the West
In the 1800s, as the United States expanded, thousands travelled well-worn trails on foot and horseback in search of land and opportunity, often at the expense of Indigenous Peoples.
Makematic
The Gadsden Purchase
In 1853, the United States paid Mexico $10 million for less than 30,000 square miles of land, facilitating the completion of a Southern transcontinental railroad and decades of economic growth.
Makematic
The Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War saw the U.S. and Mexico fight over Texas between 1846 and 1848, leading to significant territorial changes and setting the stage for future conflicts.
Makematic
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 transferred 55% of Mexican territory to the U.S., and ignited a fierce debate over slavery in these new lands.
Makematic
The Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 gave the federal government new powers to capture and return escaped enslaved people, but its failures intensified divisions between Northern and Southern states.
Curated Video
The Secrets of the Zimmermann Telegram
The Zimmerman Telegram, a secret message from Germany to Mexico during the First World War, ended the United States’ neutrality and sealed the fate of the Central Powers.
Curated Video
Robert E. Lee: The Man Behind the Myth
He’s revered as the greatest Confederate general of them all, the personification of Southern loyalty, tradition and military strength. But there’s a lot more to the so-called ‘Marble Man’ than meets the eye. So, who was the real Robert...
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Did You Know? In 60 Seconds: Spot Resolutions
Learn more about Abraham Lincoln's Spot Resolutions during the Mexican-American War.
Curated Video
The Birth of Photojournalism
At the height of the American Civil War, New York photographer Mathew Brady pioneered the art of Photojournalism - and brought the harsh realities of war home for the very first time.
Professor Dave Explains
Zachary Taylor: Old Rough and Ready (1849 - 1850)
Zachary Taylor was an interesting fellow. He was a military general that didn't much care about being president. He was also the second president to die in office. But from what?! You'll have to watch this to find out!
Professor Dave Explains
James Polk: Best Mullet Ever (1845 - 1849)
Although James Polk was a strong figure in the oval office, he will always be remembered for that sweet, sweet hairstyle. Business in the front, party in the back. But lest we overlook his actual political accomplishments, let's dig a...
Khan Academy
US History Overview 1: Jamestown to the Civil War
Complete with territory maps, photos, and interesting anecdotes, this video covers the major events of American History, roughly from 1754 to 1865. Plymouth and Jamestown are mentioned at the beginning of the video, but the speaker...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Crash Course Us History: War and Expansion
In which John Green teaches you about the Mexican-American War in the late 1840s and the expansion of the United States into the western end of North America. Famous Americans abound in this episode, including James K Polk (Young...
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: Slavery in New Territories Part 3
After the Mexican-American War, it became difficult to balance the number of slave and free states, so compromises had to be made.
Crash Course
Crash Course Us History #17: War & Expansion
John Green teaches you about the Mexican-American War in the late 1840s, and the expansion of the United States into the western end of North America. In this episode of Crash Course, US territory finally reaches from the Atlantic coast...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History:1844 1877: Increasing Political Battles Over Slavery
Discusses the conflicts between free and slave states as the nation expanded westward. [11:46]
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1844 1877: Increasing Political Battles Slavery 1800s
Kim and Sal talk about increased tensions between slave and free states as new territory is added after Mexican-American War and from Compromise of 1850 (especially the Fugitive Slave Act). [11:46]