Unit 7: Unit 7: Westward Expansion
Duration of Days: 25
In this unit, students will study Westward Expansion and how it shaped the growth of the United States. Students will build historical inquiry skills by researching and analyzing historical documents to understand why and how Americans moved west.
Students will explore the geography of the region, including locations of territories and states, political boundaries, major landforms, and natural resources. They will examine how geography influenced travel, settlement patterns, and economic opportunities in the West.
From a civics perspective, students will analyze key conflicts between the United States and Mexico, including the causes and outcomes of these conflicts and how they affected borders and relationships between nations.
Students will also study the economic impact of the Gold Rush, focusing on how the discovery of gold led to rapid population growth, economic opportunity, and changes in communities. By the end of this unit, students will understand how Westward Expansion affected the nation’s geography, economy, and relationships with other countries.
C3 Skills: (College, Career, and Civic Life) Skills:
Analyzing primary and secondary sources
Development claims and using evidence
Determine bias and author’s purpose
Taking an informed action
| Lesson # | Lesson Title | Duration of Days |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Louisiana Purchase | 1.5 |
| 2 | Lewis and Clark Expedition | 1 |
| 3 | Journey West | 2 |