Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was meant to expand across the North American continent. The painting “American Progress” embodied these ideas and has come to symbolize westward migration. The imagery and symbolism within the painting provide students with an idealized visual representation of the many groups who moved west in search of land, resources, and opportunity.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How did pioneers shape westward expansion?
Standards
C3 Framework: D2.Geo.7.9-12. Analyze the reciprocal nature of how historical events and the spatial diffusion of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices have influenced migration patterns and the distribution of human population.
Instructional Snapshot
| Class begins with a whole-class discussion that establishes a definition of the term progress. Next, students work in pairs to analyze Source A. Using the prompts on the graphic organizer, they compare and contrast the portrayal of East and West in the painting. Next, the teacher combines pairs into small groups and distributes Sources B-F to each group. Working collaboratively, students analyze each image and identify ways pioneer groups shaped westward expansion. After groups share their ideas with the class, students individually synthesize the discussion and record their final reflections on their graphic organizer. |
Formative Tasks
PRODUCE: Craft a definition of the term progress.
COLLABORATE: Compare and contrast the two sides of the image, American Progress.
DELIBERATE: Assess how pioneers shaped westward expansion.
Sources
Source A: George A. Crofutt, “American progress”, ca. 1873, Library of Congress
Source B: Solomon D. Butcher, “Morrison residence on Victoria Creek near Merna, Custer County, Nebraska”, ca. 1886, Library of Congress
Source C: “Gold Miner, El Dorado, California”, ca. 1848-1853, Library of Congress
Source D: C.H. Grave, ”Salt Lake City showing Temple Square and the distant mountains, Utah”, ca. 1900, Library of Congress
Source E: R.K Fox, “Annie Oakley - famous rifle shot and holder of the Police Gazette championship medal”, ca. 1899, Library of Congress
Source F: Pile of buffalo skulls, originally taken in 1892, “Where the Buffalo No Longer Roamed”, 2012, Smithsonian Magazine
Summative Performance Task
Argument:
Extension:
Taking Informed Action
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