Westward Expansion

California Gold Rush notes-covers 8th grade US History common core-diversity of California-immigrants from all over the world Check out Hynson's History for more resources. 

This multiple unit bundle covers US history from the ratification of the Constitution up to the start of the Civil War. This is a “warts and all” examination of this period of history; it is both a story of triumph and tragedy as well as one...

With the discovery of the South Pass by whites (natives, of course, had known the way for generations), the Oregon Territory became open to a flood of settlement by Americans seeking land in the West. To get there, however, these “Pioneers”...

From its inception, the United States slowly expanded its borders in a seemingly inexorable march to the Pacific Ocean. This text covers the country’s geographic expansion from the Ohio Valley to the Pacific Ocean in fulfilling its “Manifest...

The Louisiana Purchase was one of the most defining moments in our nation’s development as a global power. For a relative pittance, the country doubled in size overnight. Yet this landmark purchase wasn’t even a consideration for Jefferson as...

This 13 day complete unit covers the country’s geographic expansion from the Ohio Valley to the Pacific Ocean in fulfilling its “Manifest Destiny” during the first 60 years of the new American Republic, both the various means by which...

This 14 day complete unit covers the political and economic developments of the early years of the new American Republic, from the Washington through the Jackson presidencies. Besides the political histories of these various administrations, the unit...

Students delve into the lives of the main members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Corps of Discovery, through a fact sorting activity. The lesson begins with an inquiry riddle as the class attempts to solve the puzzle together. Next, groups...

Delve into the mystery of the date and location of one of Lewis and Clark’s famous expedition members, Sacagawea. The lesson begins with a warm up activity that discusses the people and events in history that have a mystery to them. Next, in...

Who are the “good guys” and who are the “bad guys?” Delve into the conflicts between the Native Americans and white settlers over land ownership in the 1800s. Students must determine who are the “good guys” and who are...

Students will delve into the question of who is responsible for the imagery of Native Americans. The lesson begins with students completing a Warm Up activity that questions the background knowledge of the class pertaining to Native Americans and their...

Students will delve into the prevailing issue of stereotypes that still surround Native Americans. Students will analyze four political cartoons to identify misconceptions, generalizations and stereotypes of American Indians. The lessons begins with a...