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Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion Activity

Background:The United States did not always own all of the land that makes up the country today. Much of the nation's land, such as Florida, Texas, and Oregon, was once owned by other countries. These countries included Mexico, Spain, France, and Great Britain. Through purchases, treaties, and sometimes war with these countries, the United States gained large amounts of territory. Today, the United States spreads from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts of North America.

Manifest Destiny “ from sea to shining sea!”

In 1845, a democratic leader and influential editor by the name of John L. O'Sullivan gave the Manifest Destiny movement its name. In an attempt to explain America's thirst for expansion, and to present a defense for America's claim to new territories he wrote:
".... the right of our manifest destiny to over spread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federaltive development of self government entrusted to us. It is right such as that of the tree to the space of air and the earth suitable for the full expansion of its principle and destiny of growth."
Do Now: Paraphrase the quote above being sure to include O’Sullivan’s most important points.
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Computer Lab Activity

The Following questions can be answered by logging onto

The Nation Expands :Introduction

1.) What were three ways in which the United States acquired the land that would eventually include all 50 states.

The Louisiana Purchase, 1803

1.) Why was New Orleans such an important factor in the Louisiana Purchase?

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2.) How much bigger did the U.S. get after the Louisiana Purchase?

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3.) What role did T. Jefferson play in the deal?

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Texas Annexation, 1845

1.) What country first colonized Texas?

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2.) The Mexican government was upset that white settlers brought with them the practice of

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Oregon Country, 1846

1.) What are two reasons American’s wanted to settle in the Oregon Country?

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Mexican Cession, 1848

1.) What was the major cause of the Mexican American War?

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2.) What treaty ended the war?

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3.) What are three states that were gained from the war?

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4.) What happened to the property of Mexicans living in the United states after the Mexican Cession?

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