Other
Small Planet Communications: The Age of Imperialism
This website gives detailed information on U.S, imperialism including lesson plans. Presented in outline format.
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.
Other
West Virginia University: A Summary of Native American Religions
This is an excellent introduction to Native American religious beliefs and practices. Includes an explanation of the major Native American Religions and their history. Site is extensive and exclusively text-based.
Other
Gold, Greed, & Genocide: The Story of California's 1849 Gold Rush
Use the table of contents to explore this site which recounts the plight of the Native Americans who lived in California before the Gold Rush and the impact of the gold rush on their lives.
Tom Richey
Tom richey.net: The Mexican War and the Compromise of 1850 [Ppt]
Presents key ideas for examining America's involvement in the Mexican War, westward expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny, the Compromise of 1850, and the individuals involved in these issues.
Other
Global Security: 54 40 or Fight
Describes the significant territorial changes that took place in the United States under the presidency of James K. Polk. These included the annexation of Texas, the settling of the dispute with Great Britain over claims to Oregon...
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Conquest of the American West
This PowerPoint presentation will thoroughly illustrate the significant role the transcontinental railroad played in the economic and cultural development of the nation as it expanded west. What did the political leadership of the nation...
Other
Californians and the Military: John Charles Fremont and the Bear Flag Revolt
A brief retelling of John C. Fremont's expedition to California. Learn about his confrontation with Mexican authorities that led to the Bear Flag Revolt.
Texas State Historical Association
Texas State Historical Association: Annexation
Read this brief overview of the events leading to the annexation of Texas to the United States in 1845.
Charles I. Kelly and Lawrence E. Kelly
Many things.org: In 1845, Republic of Texas Faces a Choice
An explanation of the difficulties the Republic of Texas encountered when deciding whether to join the Union. Also discusses President James Polk's efforts to expand the territories held by the United States, which brought him into...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: Aftermath the Reckoning
What happened in the 15 years that followed the annexation of Texas? How did the Mexican War end? Read this article to learn about the aftermath of the annexation, and check out primary documents--a "moral map" of the United States and a...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: January 31: John C. Fremont: The Pathfinder
A biography of a colorful but controversial character of the West, a candidate for president of the United States, and major-general during the Civil War.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: The Nation Expands: Mexican Cession, 1848
See a map of the land acquired by the United States as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, called the Mexican Cession. From Annenberg Media.
San Jacinto Museum of History
San Jacinto Museum: How Did the Battle of San Jacinto Change the World?
This is an interesting look at the impact of the Battle of San Jacinto not only for the Republic of Texas, but for places in North America and in Europe. Links to additional information.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Manifest Destiny
A learning module that begins with "Manifest Destiny" by Mike Kubic, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online through free teacher and...
Other
Colorado Historical Society: Kit Carson: A Hero in Fact and Fiction [Pdf]
A short biography of the legend of the West, Kit Carson. PDF (requires Adobe Reader).
The History Cat
The History Cat: Westward Expansion
Here you can learn about the Oregon Trail, Donner Party, the California Gold Rush, and life as a pioneer through text, images, video, and quotes.
Museum of the City of San Francisco
Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco: The Gold Discovery
This site contains information on the dramatic impact of the California Gold Rush. From "The History of California," published in 1897.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Traveling West
A learning module that begins with "Traveling West" by Barbara Radner, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online through free teacher and...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History Period 4: 1800 1848
This Khan Academy resource provides video lessons and detailed notes for the AP U.S. History Exam. The years 1800-1848 are covered.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History Period 5: 1844 1877
This Khan Academy resource provides a table of contents with notes for several sections of AP US History Period 5: 1844-1877.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Manifest Destiny
This Khan Academy resource provides notes for American History. "Manifest Destiny" is explained on this resource, along with the implications associated with expansion of the North American continent.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History: 1865 1898: Indian Wars and Battle of Little Bighorn
Discusses the series of events and conflicts in the Indian Wars that culminated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, or Custer's Last Stand. Includes questions for students at end.