Assignment 8: Create a Trading Post

Assignment 8: Imagine you are a trader during the time of Westward Expansion. You have decided to set up a trading post in West.
 
Develop your own trading post. Give your trading post a name, decide where your post will be located, what goods you will offer, what prices you will set, and who your customers will be, based on the products you decide to sell. Support your decisions based on information you have learned from your research.  

Post your answer in the blog as Assignment 8. 


You have the option to work with a partner or group

PowerPoint for Review

Manifest Destiny from Jody Richards Elementary School

Links and Resources

Below are some links and resources you can use to help you answer your questions. Expect these questions to be on a quiz in the near future :)

Interactive Map

Several Links on Westward Expansion

Santa Fe Trail

The Mormon Trail

The Oregon Trail

The Westward Expansion

Even more on Westward Expansion

Painting Analysis

Using the painting, "America Progress" by John Gast, analyze two scenes that demonstrate ideas about Westward Expansion. Explain the people in the scene, lighting, and describe what motivations these people may have for moving west.

Spread the Virtues of Democracy

How did westward expansionists spread democracy? Did they achieve spreading the American ideals westward? Explain your answer.

Seek Employment and avoid creditors after the Panic of 1837

What was the economic status of many Americans who traveled west? Why would indebted Americans want to travel west?

Locate Harbors on the Pacific

What was the purpose of locating harbors on the Pacific? What were traders hoping to achieve? Cite two examples.

Claim Land for Farming, Ranching, and Mining

Why were Americans interested in moving west to farm, ranch, and mine when they could easily do those in the current territory held by the United States?

Find New Markets for Commerce

Make a list of WHERE people were trading, WHAT they were trading, and WHO traders were trading with.

Escape Religious Persecution

What group(s) were escaping religious persecution? Did religion play an important part in westward expansion and spreading the ideals?