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Ms. V History7th Grade Social Studies
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Unit 51790s – 1860s

Westward Expansion

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Words mastered0 of 45

Essential question

How did the United States expand west, and who benefited or was harmed by that expansion?

Pick one and go

Start Here

A young country that had just finished arguing about its own government started looking west. This unit follows how the United States reached the Pacific — by purchase, by treaty and by war — and asks who gained from that and who lost, because the answer is different depending on who you ask.

By the End of This Unit, You Should Be Able To…

  • I can identify the American values and beliefs that increased westward expansion and settlement.
  • I can identify the territories gained by America between 1803 and 1853.
  • I can explain the details surrounding the Louisiana Purchase.
  • I can outline the causes and effects of the War of 1812.
  • I can explain how America acquired Florida from Spain.

These come from the unit’s I Can statements. See them with their standards

Major topics

  • A Stronger Young Nation
  • Expansion to the Pacific
  • Conflict & Compromise
  • Opportunity & Harm
  • Change & Tension

Study groups in this unit

  • A Stronger Young Nation

    After the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the United States began to grow stronger by handling internal challenges and defending itself in war. This led to increased confidence, national pride, and a growing belief that the country should expand.

    0 of 7 words mastered

  • Expansion to the Pacific

    Political and economic motives led to territorial expansion across the width of the continent all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the first half of the 19th century.

    0 of 8 words mastered

  • Conflict & Compromise

    Conflict and compromise with foreign nations and Native Americans resulted in the growth of America.

    0 of 9 words mastered

  • Opportunity & Harm

    Westward expansion provided opportunities for some groups while harming others.

    0 of 8 words mastered

  • Change & Tension

    Westward expansion changed the United States by moving people, connecting regions, growing the economy, and increasing tensions over slavery.

    0 of 13 words mastered