Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: u.s. History Map Interactive
Become a geography whiz as you learn how the United States was settled. Discover how the continent was irrevocably changed by European colonization, the events that caused the wholesale displacement and decimation of the land's original...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Mexico and Texas, 1845 1848
A map of Mexico and Texas from the annexation of the Republic of Texas by the United States (1845) to the end of the Mexican-American War (1848). The map is color-coded to show the territory of Texas in 1845, the territory of dispute...
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...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Lone Star Republic
Why did Mexico encourage settlement of Americans in Texas? Why did the Americans chafe under Mexican rule? Find out how this led to the Texas Revolution and the declaration of Texas as an independent country.
Digital History
Digital History: America's Manifest Destiny [Pdf]
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]
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.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: United States History Map: The Nation Expands
After examining a map showing the expansion of the United States, click to read about each addition to the country and see where that addition is. Play Expansion Concentration to test your skills.
PBS
New Perspectives on the West: Sam Houston (1793 1863)
This biography on Sam Houston focuses his life as an advocate for Indians and his controversial political career.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: Expansion and War: The United States 1840 1860
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.
Curated OER
Etc: Territorial Growth of the United States, 1783 1900
A map from 1911 of the United States showing the territorial acquisitions from the original states and territory established in 1783 to the Tripartite Convention of 1899 in which Germany and the United States divided the Samoan...
Curated OER
Etc: Acquisition of Territory, 1783 1884
A map from 1885 of the United States showing the territorial growth from the original States and the Northwest Territory in 1783 to the Russian cession of Alaska in 1867. The map is color-coded to show the progression from the original...
Curated OER
Etc: Territorial Growth of the United States , 1783 1867
A map from 1897 of the United States showing the territorial growth from the original States and the Northwest Territory in 1783 to the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. The map is color-coded to show the progression from the...
Curated OER
Etc: Territorial Growth of the United States, 1783 1867
A map from 1897 of the United States showing the territorial growth from the original States and the Northwest Territory in 1783 to the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. The map is color-coded to show the progression from the...
Curated OER
Etc: The Territorial Growth of the United States, 1783 1853
A map from 1911 of the United States showing the territorial growth from the original States and the Northwest Territory in 1783 to the Gadsden Purchase of 1853. The map is color-coded to show the progression from the original thirteen...
Curated OER
Etc: The Territorial Growth of the United States , 1783 1853
A map from 1894 of the United States showing the territorial growth from the original States and the Northwest Territory in 1783 to the Russian cession of Alaska in 1867. The map is color-coded to show the progression from the original...
Curated OER
Etc: Territorial Acquisitions of the United States, 1783 1900
A map from 1920 of the United States and its territories between 1783 and 1900 showing the nation's expansion and date of acquisition of each new territory or possession. The map is color-coded to show the progression from the original...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
An interactive exploration of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which was signed in 1848 and ended the Mexican-American War. Puts the treaty in context, makes reference to U.S. territorial gains, and includes links to larger images, a...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Knox Polk:campaign and Election of 1844
The campaign and election of 1844 showed the rising difference in the nation between Whigs and Democrats and sections of the country. Showing the true development of the two-party system, it also gave rise to the term, "dark horse."
iCivics
I Civics: A Growing Nation
In this unit, students learn how the United States began to grow as soon as it became a nation, and they examine the effect of this growth on societies already established in North America. Register for a free account to download teacher...
Curated OER
Perry Castaneda Map Collection: Admission of States and Territorial Acquisitions
Here's a map to show you when states were added to the Union. It also shows territories and when they were acquired.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
This 3-page article provides a general overview of the Mexican War which resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in Mexico City on February 2, 1848.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: John Tyler: A Life in Brief
A brief overview of the life of John Tyler. Hyperlinks to additional information.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: "American Blood on American Soil"
President James Polk's desire was for the United States to stretch from sea to shining sea. See what happened when his overatures to Mexico to buy the land north of the Rio Grande River were spurned. Take a brief vote to see if Polk was...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: North America, 1840
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...