Here's a map to show you when states were added to the Union. It also shows territories and when they were acquired.

This site provides historic images of the expanding frontier taken by military and private citizens from 1861-1912.

Text of speech by William Jennings Bryan at the 1900 Democratic convention. Details his anti-imperialistic stance in terms of the U.S. involvement in the Philippines.

By reading this section of a chapter on "Westward Expansion," students will be able to describe the terms of the Wilmot Proviso and the Compromise of 1850, discuss why the Free-Soil Party objected to the westward expansion of slavery and...

The railroad developers built the rails in anticipation of growth and sprawl across the United States. This visual shows the details of the increase of settlements, yet not quite enough to sustain the expanse of the Transcontinental...

Enacted through the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance led to the organization of the Northwest Territory and expedited the expansion of the United States westward. This is a thorough explanation of the ordinance.

Students will explore how King's deep-seated commitment to nonviolence contributed to the expansion of social justice in the United States, particularly for African Americans.

Provides interesting facts and important information about the idea of Manifest Destiny and details of Westward Expansion in the United States over a fifty-year time span in the 1800s.

The Oregon Trail was the important route taken by settlers from the east migrating to build a new life in the western part of the United States covering over 2000 miles.

In this brief encyclopedia article, you find the effect the Louisiana Purchase had on African-Americans because of the new land added to the United States. There is a link to a website that gives additional information about the...

Explains what the term 'Manifest Destiny' meant during the expansion of the frontier as the United States grew and consolidated its borders.

A brief overview of the idea of expansion of the United States overseas in the last part of the 19th century and the early 20th century.

The purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862 was to shape the future of the Western regions of the United States by taming the region by populating the area with farmers. This article provides an overview of this important political incident...

Interactive and animated maps and timelines of historical events and time periods in American history from pre-European times until post-World War II.

This expansive unit created by McCracken County Schools focuses on the properties of matter. Multiple lessons focus on the concept of scientific modeling of matter particles. Included in this unit are various activities to reach all...

As the United States emerged from World War II, suburbs began to spring up with amazing speed. They were advertised as the perfect place to live - a utopia in which the family would flourish. The suburbs, with their promise of an escape...

The question of the expansion of slavery into the territories of the United States was an old question that was addressed again in the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Read about the Tallmadge Amendment and the opinions supporting and...

The Texas Slavery Project takes a deep look at the expansion of slavery in the borderlands between the United States and Mexico in the years between 1837 and 1845.

This site provides information about the expansion of the United States Currency, with links to other related sources.

Advancements in transportation have played a key role in the growth of our nation. U.S.government policies have also had a considerable impact on the development of transport as we know it today. In this series of three lessons, the...

Find out why the War of 1812 was such a significant victory for the fledgling United States. See how it resulted in greater territory for expansion, and why it brought about the demise of the Federalists.

Advancements in transportation have played a key role in the growth of our nation. U.S. government policies have also had a considerable impact on the development of transport as we know it today. In this series of three lessons, the...

In the second half of the 20th century, racial tensions rose in the US as African Americans began to challenge unjust laws that supported discrimination and segregation. This movement found its leader in the patient and inspiring...

A short page on the discovery of gold at Sutter's Fort as well as the impact of mining in the west on relations with Native Americans.