University of Maryland
Howard County History Labs: Westward Expansion
Lesson plan assesses historical thinking skills by providing two primary sources on Thomas Jefferson's views on the constitutionality of the Louisiana Purchase.
Other
Animated Atlas: Growth of a Nation
A 10-minute movie showing the expansion of the United States after the end of the Revolutionary War. Follow the directions to start the movie and listen to the explanations.
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: 1846: Portrait of a Nation
This site provides a glimpse into the United States in the year 1846. James Polk was president and the Westward Expansion was in full force. The site has nice historical photographs.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Era of Expansion and Reform
This resource, a speech by Woodrow Wilson to Congress on April 8, 1913, gives a great review of how the United States transformed from from a rural country to an urban one. It includes a review of industrialization, new inventions,...
Soylent Communications
William Henry Harrison
The ninth President of the United States was a General during the War of 1812. He lead forces at the Battle of Tippecanoe, and in 1813 reversed the losses of General William Hull. As Governor of Indiana Territory he acquired a large...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Gold in California
The gold rush in California accelerated the western migration of thousands of young American men, who streamed into California to find riches. See who else arrived in California and find out what they did. In addition, there is a map...
Library of Congress
Loc: Nation Expansion and Reform: Traveling on the Overland Trails, 1843 1860
Primary source information about traveling the Overland Trails, both to Oregon Country and California.
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.
PBS
Pbs: The American Experience in the 1900s
This site presents a general picture of what life was like in the United States at the turn of the century. Content includes compelling images, information, and documents about American life.
Other
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
This comprehensive resource works to promote, educate, and preserve the Lewis and Clark Trail across the United States. View videos, histories, biographies, and more through the foundation's site.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Primary Source Set: Cross Cultural Colonial Conflicts
A collection of primary sources which explores cross-cultural conflicts during the Colonial period of United States history.
Other
History of Louisiana Under 10 Flags
This site offers a timeline history of the disputed territory now known as the state of Louisiana. Make sure you view all three pages of this presentation.
Other
History of Louisiana Under 10 Flags
This site offers a timeline history of the disputed territory now known as the state of Louisiana. Make sure you view all three pages of this presentation.
Digital History
Digital History: Conquering Space
A good review of how the rise of nationalism led to western expansion, support for federal funds to build infrastructure, and the protection of new American industry.
Ducksters
Ducksters: History: Timeline of Westward Expansion for Kids
Kids learn the timeline of Westward Expansion of the United States on this site. Follow the timeline of how pioneers and settlers moved west of the Mississippi all the way to California.
California Digital Library
Loc: Chinese and Westward Expansion
The Chinese in California, 1850-1925 illustrates nineteenth and early twentieth century Chinese immigration to California through about 8,000 images and pages of primary source materials. Included are photographs, original art, cartoons...
NBC
Msnbc: Japan, Us Sign Missile Defense Expansion Plan
Examines an agreement between the the United States and Japan to make a missile defense system to protect both countries. 6/06
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: United States, 1917
A map of the United States and territories showing the expansion from the formation of the original states to the purchase of the Danish West Indies (Virgin Islands) in 1917. The map is color-coded to show the original states, the states...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: United States, 1821
A map of the United States and territories in 1821 after the Missouri Compromise, showing the Free States and territories, the Slave States and territories, and the transitional territories at the time. The map is color-coded to show the...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: United States, 1801
A map of the United States in 1801. The map is color-coded to show the States and territory of the United States west to the Mississippi River, the British territories of Upper and Lower Canada, Rupert's Land, and the Bahamas, the French...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: United States, 1845
A map of the United States in 1845 after the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the annexation of Texas. The map is color-coded to show the States and territory of the United States west to the Pacific with the dates...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: United States, 1789
A map of the United States in 1789, showing the State territorial claims, territories, and areas of territorial dispute. The map is color-coded to show States, territories, British possessions, and Spanish possessions, and shows the...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: United States, 1825 1830
A map of the United States during the Presidency of John Quincy Adams (1825&ndash1829) showing the States at the time, the Unorganized Territory of the Louisiana Purchase, and the Oregon Country under joint control with Great Britain.
Curated OER
Possessions of the United States Not on the American Continent, 1921
The " possessions of the United States not on the American continent.