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Manifest Destiny and the Power of Perspective
Students examine the concept of Manifest Destiny and the United States. They analyze the Mexican War from the perspective of the Mexicans and the Indians. They write an essay about these different perspectives.
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Manifest Destiny and the Commercial Conquest of the United States
Students examine the role of commerce in the United States to help fulfill Manifest Destiny. They write commercials that could have been used by the Mexicans or Americans during the Mexican War.
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The Trial of Standing Bear
Learners investigate the story of Standing Bear and his people as they defied the U.S. Governemt and returned to their homes in Omaha. Their arrest was followed by a trial which the Ponca people won.
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Heritage: Famous People of the West
Fourth graders investigate the impact of Brigham Young and Jim Bridger on westward expansion. They conduct research, develop a class information chart, and create a cartoon strip depicting what happened when Jim Bridger and Brigham Young...
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The People of Kansas: Where Did They Come From and Why Did They Come?
Students research and discuss the reasons why early settlers emigrated to Kansas. They, in groups, analyze census district reports from the 1850's and then identify the advantages and disadvantages of using this information as research.
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Westward Expansion Unit
Eighth graders investigate the importance of Westward Expansion in the history of the United States in this unit of lessons.
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The Western Migration Lesson Plan
Students examine the western migration in the United States in the early 19th century and identify the factors that caused the migration as well as how government adapted to meet the needs of an expanding country.
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African Americans and the Move West
Students examine the phases of the migration west and analyze the incentives for African Americans to move.They create a timeline of migration to the west along with charts depicting the changes in demographics of areas at selected...
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Uncle Sam is Rich Enough to Give Us All a Farm:
Students examine websites and video clips to become familiar with tenets of the Homestead Act, challenges faced by settlers and misconceptions about settlers. They role-play colonists on the Planet XR-38 and make choices similar to...
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The West in Brochures
Young scholars explore the daily life of the American Cowboy in the 1800's and compare it to the life of the Native Americans.
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Values and Beliefs of Manifest Destiny
Fourth graders examine the beliefs of Manifest Destiny and its role in the California Gold Rush. They analyze a painting to gather information about Manifest Destiny.
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Cultural Lit. 19: Old Spanish Trail & Native Americans
Fifth graders name the American Indian people by tribe who lived in the lands which the Old Spanish Trail traversed. They investigate and describe some impacts of western expansion upon the American Indians.
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Cultural Lit. 18: The Oregon Trail & Native Americans
Fifth graders name the American Indian people by tribe who lived in the lands which the Oregon Trail traversed. They investigate and describe some impacts of western expansion upon the American Indians.
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The Mormon Trail and Native Americans
Fifth graders identify the American Indian tribes who lived in the lands that the Mormon Trail went through. They investigate and describe the impact of western expansion on the American Indians.
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Western Expansion and Native Americans
Fifth graders research the Oregon, Old Spanish, California, and Mormon trails, and the impact western expansion had on the Native Americans living on those lands.
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Teaching With Documents Lesson Plan: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Students demonstrate understanding of the ideology of Manifest Destiny, the nation's expansion to Northwest, and the Mexican-American War. Students understand national foreign policy.
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Making a Brand for Ourselves the "Cowboy" Way
Fourth graders research the history of Utah. Students explore westward expansion and the importance of ranching in Utah's history. Students also investigate cattle drives in Utah.
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The Industrial Revolution
Eighth graders examine the time period of the Industrial revolution in American history. In this American History lesson, 8th graders read the chapter on this time period. Students create a presentation on this time period to teach...
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Notes: Westward Movement
In this westward movement worksheet, students fill in blanks and draw pictures of the six factors that influenced the westward movement of settlers.
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Westward Expansion and American Indians
In this 19th century U.S. history worksheet, students read articles about Westward Expansion and the American Indians. Students then respond to 19 short answer questions regarding the articles.
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Lesson One: The Three Perspectives on Native American Removal
Eleventh graders explore the impact of the Indian Removal Act. In this US History lesson, 11th graders analyze primary resources.
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The Homestead Act of 1682
In this American West worksheet, students read about the Homestead Act of 1682. Students read 8 paragraphs and complete the 3 activities for the worksheet.
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The American West - End of Unit Test
In these American West worksheets, students answer questions based on the American West unit. Students answer 23 questions about the unit.
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American West: Indian Warpath Word Search
In this word search worksheet, students find the words that represent reasons why Native Americans were compelled to war during the history of the American West. Students locate 10 words.