As the United States expanded westward, major issues, some of them from the first years of the nation, began to challenge the stability of the nation. As the nation expanded, issues of states’ rights, the institution of slavery, and economic development culminated in a Civil War. This war formally ended slavery and strengthened the power of the Federal government. The era after the Civil War was a time of major economic development and technological innovation.
Standard IV: Students will understand that the 19th century was a time of incredible change for the United States, including geographic expansion, constitutional crisis, and economic growth.
Objective 1: Investigate the significant events during America’s expansion and the roles people played.
Standard IV: Students will understand that the 19th century was a time of incredible change for the United States, including geographic expansion, constitutional crisis, and economic growth.
Objective 1: Investigate the significant events during America’s expansion and the roles people played.
- Identify key reasons why people move and the traits necessary for survival.
- Examine causes and consequences of important events in the United States expansion (e.g. Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark expedition, treaties with American Indians, Homestead Act, the Trail of Tears, and California Gold Rush).
- Compare the trails that were important during westward expansion (e.g. Oregon, Mormon, Spanish, and California).
- Assess the impact of expansion on native inhabitants of the west.