Website
Digital History

Digital History: America's Manifest Destiny [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
After a brief discussion of Manifest Destiny in other parts of country, read about the Texas rebellion against Mexico, the battles against Santa Anna, and the treaties that made Texas an independent country. [pdf]
Article
Charles I. Kelly and Lawrence E. Kelly

Many things.org: In 1845, Republic of Texas Faces a Choice

For Students 5th - 8th
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...
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Us History: 1844 1877: Annexing Texas

For Students 9th - 10th
Quickly following Texan independence, the United States admitted Texas into the republic as a slave state.
Article
Texas State Historical Association

Texas State Historical Association: Annexation

For Students 9th - 10th
Read this brief overview of the events leading to the annexation of Texas to the United States in 1845.
Article
Henry J. Sage

Sage American History: Expansion and War: The United States 1840 1860

For Students 9th - 10th
Article on the era of westward expansion and the resulting Mexican American War. The author demonstrates how Manifest Destiny and frontier settlement led to the annexation of Texas and ultimately war with Mexico over the territory.
Handout
San Jacinto Museum of History

San Jacinto Museum: How Did the Battle of San Jacinto Change the World?

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Article
US Department of State

U.s. Department of State: Office of the Historian: Milestones: 1830 1860

For Students 9th - 10th
Concisely written accounts of three important events in the history and shaping of Texas: the Annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War, and the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo.
Unit Plan
Tom Richey

Tom Richey: The Crisis of the Union (1835 1860)

For Students 9th - 10th
Teachers and students will enhance their lessons with the videos, lessons, and slideshows presented. This unit sets the stage for a nation expanding west following the Texas Revolution.
Website
Other

Dmwv: The u.s. Mexican War: 1846 1848

For Students 9th - 10th
Dedicated to the memory of U.S. veterans who fought in the U.S.-Mexican War, this website provides documents, images, maps, and FAQs.
Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Learning Lab: The Expansion of the United States, 1846 48

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This online lesson plan shows young scholars through primary sources how the borders of the U.S. changed in just a few years. They are asked to analyze maps and use map skills. All maps and worksheets are included as well as additional...
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: North America, 1840

For Students 9th - 10th
A map of North America in 1840 at the time when the concept of "Manifest Destiny" was being applied to annex the Oregon Territory, Texas, and much of northern Mexico into the United States. The map is color-coded to show the extent of...