Unit 6

This unit bundles student expectations that address westward expansion. During the first half of the nineteenth century the United States expanded territorially with the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory, the annexation of Texas, and the addition of the Mexican Cession and Oregon Territory. This expansion brought political, economic, and geographic change as Americans acted on the concept of Manifest Destiny by seeking new opportunities in the newly acquired territories. A study of westward migration is important for understanding the geographic scope of the United States as well as the sectional distinctions within the United States.

Prior to this unit, students learned about how the addition of the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812 were steps in the development of the United States with a unique American identity. During this unit, students study about the migration of Americas to the western United States and the resulting settlement and economic patterns. Additionally, students analyze maps to examine the geographic changes that accompanied westward expansion of the United States.