Curated OER
Etc: Expansion of the United States , 1783 1853
A map from 1904 of the United States showing the territorial acquisitions up to the Gadsden Purchase in northern Mexico in 1853. The map is coded to show the territory of the original United States and the Northwest Territory defined by...
Curated OER
Etc: Expansion of the United States, 1783 1853
A map from 1904 of the United States showing the territorial acquisitions up to the Gadsden Purchase in northern Mexico in 1853. The map is coded to show the territory of the original United States and the Northwest Territory defined by...
Curated OER
Etc: Expansion of the United States, 1783 1853
A map from 1912 of the United States showing the territorial acquisitions up to the Gadsden Purchase in northern Mexico in 1853. The map is color-coded to show the territory of the original United States and the Northwest Territory...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Settling the West: Westward Expansion
During this lesson plan, students will have the opportunity to experience the westward expansion through literature and the Internet. By creating a brochure and a slideshow presentation, students will become aware of the difficulties...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Kansas Nebraska Act and Party Realignment
Learn about the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Passed in 1854, it reopened the debate over the expansion of slavery in the United States.
The History Cat
The History Cat: The California Gold Rush
Describes the events that led to the California Gold Rush, the lives of the miners, the discrimination faced by Chinese immigrant miners and African Americans, the women who mostly stayed behind when their husbands went west as well as...
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Impact of Expansion on Chinese Immigrants and Hispanic Citizens
As white populations moved westward in the 19th century, Chinese immigrants and Hispanic Americans faced racism and discrimination and were unable to compete on an equal basis for land. Eventually, both groups settled into urban areas...
McCracken County Schools
Mc Cracken County Schools: Structure and Properties of Matter
This expansive unit created by McCracken County Schools focuses on the properties of matter. Multiple lessons focus on the concept of scientific modeling of matter particles. Included in this unit are various activities to reach all...
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...
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 5: A New Order
This extensive learning module examines the impact of the Gilded Age upon new cultural and intellectual movements, expansion of foreign trade, and political debates over economic and social policies, as well as the impact of the rise of...
Agriculture in the Classroom
U.s. Department of Agriculture: Agriculture in the Classroom
Information about agriculture and agricultural practice in America. You can explore specific states or issues that are national in scope. The "Growing a Nation" page helps you understand the role of the American farm in westward expansion.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1945 1980: The Dark Side of Suburbia
Some background information that sheds light on how suburbia wasn't paradise for everyone especially women and African Americans in the 1950s and 60s.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Missouri Compromise
A good look at the issues debated about the admission of new states, particularly those that would be made from the Louisiana Purchase. Read about why the issue of allowing slavery in the new states was such a hard decision for Congress....
Ducksters
Ducksters: Crossword Puzzle Print Out for Kids: Westward Expansion
Print out a crossword puzzle game about the Westward Expansion of the US. Learn about history and have fun at the same time.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Crossword Puzzle Game for Kids: Westward Expansion
An interactive and fun crossword puzzle game about the Westward Expansion of the US.
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.
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 3: The Growing Republic
This extensive learning module examines how the United States' efforts to increase foreign trade, add new territory, and isolate itself from Europe affected its foreign policy and other initiatives. It investigates how advances in...
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: Ap Us History Study Guide, Period 6: 1865 1898
[Free Registration/Login Required] AP U.S. History study guide on the social, cultural, economic and political changes that occurred during the period of American expansion, industrialization, and urban migration, 1865-1898. Learning...
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...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1800 1848: The Cotton Kingdom
During the first half of the nineteenth century, demand for cotton led to the expansion of plantation slavery. By 1850, enslaved people were growing cotton from South Carolina to Texas.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Foreign Policy 1890 1914: Spanish American War and Overseas Empire
Looks at the development and evolution of the Spanish-American War, at Americans' views on imperialism at the end of this war, and at the relationship of this war with America's other international interests.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Adeline Hornbeck and the Homestead Act
This Teaching with Historic Places lesson effectively depicts the life of a pioneer woman and ways in which the Homestead Act impacted her life. The site includes lesson plans, inquiry questions, and photos that may be used in covering...
Country Studies US
Country Studies: The Plight of the Indians
This site explains how as westward expansion grew, more and more Indians encountered settlers, ranchers and miners who sought life, land, and riches out West. Conflicts between settlers and Indians soon involved the federal government...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Homesteading: Dreams and Realities
After reading this section from a chapter on "Westward Expansion", students will be able to identify the challenges that farmers faced as they settled west of the Mississippi River and describe the unique experiences of women who...