American Revolution
What country ruled the colonies before independence?
Britain
What direction did settlers travel when they moved west?
West
Name one land feature that affected travel west.
rivers, mountains, plains
What major issue caused conflict between the North and South?
Slavery
Why did westward expansion increase arguments about slavery?
Because each new state had to decide whether it would allow slavery, which affected the balance of power between North and South.
What document announced the colonies wanted independence?
The Declaration of Independence
Name one reason people moved west.
land, opportunity, gold, space
How did rivers help settlers travel?
transportation and water supply
What two regions disagreed about slavery and government power?
North and South
You are a settler traveling west.How do you feel about moving to new land?
excited, hopeful, nervous about danger.
What were colonists who wanted independence called?
Patriots
What famous trail did many settlers travel on?
Oregon Trail
Why were mountains difficult for travelers?
hard to cross, slow travel
Why did new states create conflict?
deciding if they would allow slavery
You are a Native American during westward expansion.
How do you feel about settlers arriving?
worried, angry, losing land, unfair treatment.
What were colonists who stayed loyal to Britain called?
Loyalists
Name one challenge settlers faced traveling west.
rivers, mountains, sickness, weather
How did geography affect jobs in the North vs. South?
North had factories; South had farming/plantations
Did the Civil War happen suddenly or build over time?
Built over time
You are a factory owner in the North before the Civil War.
What do you believe about slavery expanding west?
against expansion of slavery (economic or moral reasons).
What was one reason colonists were upset with Britain?
taxes, no representation, unfair laws
Which group lost land as settlers moved west?
Native Americans
Why did new western land cause arguments between states?
deciding if slavery would be allowed
Name two causes of the Civil War.
slavery, economic differences, states’ rights, expansion
What is one BIG change that happened in the United States during this unit?
Colonies became a country
People moved west
Slavery ended
The nation rebuilt after war