American History with Mr. D

As we continue to learn about the Westward Expansion of the United States, we need to learn more about each of the territories and the people involved in the acquisition. You will examine the experiences and perspectives of significant individuals and groups during this era of American History. Standards SS.8.A.4.3:  Examine the experiences and perspectives of significant individuals and groups during this era of American History. SS.8.A.1.1:  Provide supporting details for an answer from text, interview for oral history, check validity of information from research/text, and identify strong vs. weak arguments. SS.8.A.1.5:  Identify, within both primary and secondary sources, the author, audience, format, and purpose of significant historical documents. SS.8.A.1.7:  View historic events through the eyes of those who were there as shown in their art, writings, music, and artifacts. Pick a territory for your group to research: Louisiana Florida Texas California (Mexican C

As we examine the westward expansion, think about the causes and effect of the territorial expansion of the new country and republic that is the United States in the late 18th and 19th centuries.  Pay very close attention to the political, cultural, and the environmental consequences of the expansion.  What can we learn from this expansionary period to the contemporary? Here are some primary and secondary sources to use for research for your Westward Expansion worksheet. Milestones in the History of the U.S. Foreign Relations , Office of the Historian You can select a specific period to study or search.  For example, you can find more information about the following (click on the links below): 1801 - 1829 The Louisiana Purchase Acquisition of Florida 1830 - 1860 The Oregon Territory The Annexation of Texas, the Mexican American War, and the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo Gadsden Purchase Discussion point: Protection or New World Colonization War of 1812 - 1815