Inquiries Filed Under:

Westward Migration

About the inquiry

This inquiry prompts students to investigate the factors, conditions, and conflicts related to westward expansion in the United States before the Civil War. In the inquiry, students wrestle with various economic, geographic, and social ideas as they consider the value of the push westward. The compelling question “Was it destiny to move west?” prompts students to think about the historical justification for white Americans moving west in light of what we now understand as the problems associated with that expansion. In doing so, students explore the economic, geographic, and social conditions as well as ways new technologies contributed to westward expansion. Students also examine conflicts that arose as whites encountered Native peoples as well as the conflicts with Mexico over western lands.

Compelling Question

Was It Destiny to Move West?

Staging Question

Discuss actions students have taken that resulted in a moral conflict.

Supporting Question

What factors influenced westward expansion?

Formative Tasks

List the factors that influenced westward expansion.

Sources

Source A: 1836 protest song Source B: Image bank: 19th-entury population Source C: Excerpts from “The Great Nation of Futurity” Source D: Map of United States territorial acquisitions Source E: Excerpts from James K. Polk’s Fourth Annual Message Source F: Image bank: The California gold rush Source G: Excerpt from the Homestead Act of 1862

Supporting Question

What new technologies influenced westward expansion?

Formative Tasks

Create an annotated illustration (e.g., comic strip, political cartoon, timeline) that depicts technological forces that influenced westward expansion.

Sources

Source A: Image bank: Maps of the Erie Canal routes* Source B: Chart comparing travel by dirt road and canal* Source C: Excerpts from Digging Clinton’s Ditch Source D: Image bank: Technologies of the mid-19th century Source E: Maps showing changing rates of travel in the United States, 1800–1857

Supporting Question

What conflicts arose from westward expansion?

Formative Tasks

Make a claim supported by evidence about the conflicts that arose from westward expansion.

Sources

Source A: Timeline of European and US conflicts with Native Americans Source B: Map showing military engagements in the Mexican-American War

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Create a video documentary about whether or not westward expansion was destined and/or justified.

Taking Informed Action

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