Westward Expansion Answering the questions of the leaders of Idontknowwhere…

Motivations for Moving West

M – Manifest Destiny ◦People who moved west believed that it was America’s “destiny” to own all of the land from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. E – Economic Opportunity ◦Others moved west because they wanted to make more money. They knew of better jobs and gold out west.

R – Religious Freedom ◦People who had different religious beliefs than others were sometimes mistreated. These people decided to move west to find a place where they could live without being persecuted. L - Land ◦Many Americans just felt too crowded. They wanted more open land to live and grow crops on. These people moved out west as well.

Expeditions

There were 3 important expeditions in which important people paved the way for others to move west. These important people were: ◦Lewis and Clark ◦Daniel Boone ◦Zebulon Pike

Lewis and Clark Lewis and Clark helped to explore the Louisiana Purchase after the U.S. bought if from France. These two men traveled all the way to the Pacific Ocean, exploring land, meeting Native Americans, and discovering new plants and animals.

Daniel Boone Daniel Boone was a major player in settling Kentucky. He led settlers across the Cumberland Gap in the Appalachian Mountains. Boone created the Wilderness Trail here.

Zebulon Pike Zebulon Pike explored in what is now the southwest part of the United States. Today, a mountain called Pike’s Peak is named after Zebulon Pike.

Pioneer Life

Pioneer Life was not always fun or easy. People traveled in covered Conestoga wagons in order to transport their belongings. These wagons were pulled by oxen or other strong animals. Moving west was dangerous because people faced storms, rushing rivers, lack of good food, homesickness, fights with Native Americans, and wild animals. Pioneers had to work together in order to survive. They traveled in wagon trains, with leaders and rules for each person to follow.

Trails

Not everyone took the same path westward. The trails many people took were called the: ◦Oregon Trail ◦Mormon Trail ◦Santa Fe Trail

Oregon Trail ◦Most people who took the Oregon Trail were moving for a better live and more land. ◦The Oregon Trail ran from around the Mississippi River all the way to present-day Oregon.

Mormon Trail ◦Mormons were the main people who took this trail. They traveled along this path for religious freedom. ◦The Mormon Trail end in what is now the state of Utah. Many Mormons live there to this day.

Santa Fe Trail ◦Most travelers who took this trail were trying to make money by trading goods. ◦The Santa Fe Trail ended in present-day New Mexico.

Land Acquisitions

During the 1800s, many areas of land were added to the United States. ◦Louisiana Purchase ◦Florida Purchase ◦Mexican Cession ◦Oregon Territory ◦Annexation of Texas

The United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, doubling the size of the country. Florida was purchased from Spain. Texas was added to the United States after it rebelled against its Mexican government.

The Mexican Cession (a southwestern area of land) was gained after the Mexican War. The Oregon Territory was added to the United States through a peaceful treaty with Great Britain.

Effects on Native Americans

Throughout the Westward Expansion movement, the United States government was not very kind to Native Americans. Many were forced to move from their homes or died while fighting for their land. ◦Indian Removal Act of 1830 ◦Cherokee Trail of Tears ◦Seminole Wars

In 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed what is called the Indian Removal Act. ◦This act forced Native Americans in the southeast part of the United States to leave their land and go live in lands further west called the Indian Territory.

The Trail of Tears is the path taken by the Cherokee tribe as they were forced from their homes. ◦After trying to live peacefully with other Americans for years, the U.S. army finally forced them off their land. Many Cherokees died on this long, hard journey.

The Seminole Wars were fought near Florida and Georgia between the Seminole tribe and the U.S. government. ◦When the government told the Seminoles to leave their land, they refused. After fighting three different wars with the U.S., the Seminoles lost and had to leave their land.

Dear leaders of Idontknowwhere, ◦I hope this information helps you as you decide how to lead your country in moving west. May you learn from our mistakes and gain insight from the things we did well!  Sincerely,  Ms. Smith’s 4 th Grade Class