Wednesday, March 17, 2010

PowerPoint for Review

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.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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?