reasons
This precious metal was discovered in California in 1848, sparking a massive migration west.
gold
This U.S. president was a major supporter of Manifest Destiny and oversaw the Mexican-American War.
the 1803 land deal that doubled the size of the us.
Louisiana purchase
This state became a U.S. state in 1850 after the Gold Rush.
california
These small, quickly built communities popped up near gold mines.
boomtowns
This belief claimed it was America’s divine mission to expand across the continent.
maifest destiny
This Native American woman helped guide Lewis and Clark on their expedition west.
Sacajawea
treaty that ended the Mexican american war and gave the u.s. the southwest
treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
This landlocked western state is where the Mormons settled.
Most frontier homes were built out of this material.
sod
Many poor farmers and immigrants were drawn west by this 1862 law offering free land.
homestead act
This African American man was a key member of the Lewis and Clark expedition
york
This was the name of the land acquired from Spain in 1819, now home to Disney World.
florida
This "Sooner State" was famous for land rushes.
oklahoma
This animal was essential for transportation and farming on the frontier.
horse (or ox)
People wanted more of this natural resource, vital for farming and raising livestock.
land
This founder of the Mormon Church led his followers west to escape persecution.
brigham young
This territory was jointly occupied by Britain and the U.S. before being fully acquired in 1846.
Oregon Country?
This northwestern state was part of the Oregon Territory.
oregon
Settlers often had to protect themselves from these natural disasters, like tornadoes or drought.
natural disasters
Some Americans moved west to spread this religion to Indigenous peoples.
religion (Christianity)
This Apache leader resisted U.S. military campaigns in the Southwest for years.
Geronimo
The annexation of this republic in 1845 led to tensions with Mexico.
texas
This desert state was added to the U.S. after the Mexican-American War.
arizona
Many children on the frontier were taught in these one-room buildings.
schoolhouses