Westward Expansion Webquest

Introduction
Howdy! Come on go with us, the wagon train is loadin’ up. We’re goin’ on a quest and it’s takin’ us west. You’ve heard about it…the land of opportunity. That’s where there’s loads of land, fresh air, and clean water, and you might even strike it rich!
Don’t need much, just your partner and a good thinkin’ mind. We’ve got lots to learn about what went on in those parts from 1801 right up to the Civil War. So, saddle up…you’re in for the ride of your life.

Task
Your search for information will lead you to the answers of questions about the growth and change in America from 1801-1861. Get with a partner and find those answers, with the help of the Internet sites below.
When writing up answers, write in complete sentences.
Complete the questions in order and use the Internet links under the question(s) to guide you in answering that particular question set.
Read through the site facts CAREFULLY.

Process
Answer the following questions.

/ Who played key roles in the transaction of the Louisiana Purchase?

/ How much did Thomas Jefferson pay France for the territory?
/ Why was the purchase so important? Hint: Size of the United States

/ Name two reasons for the wars between the settlers and the Seminoles.

/ At the end of the Mexican War, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed. What land areas did the U.S. receive?

/ Approximately how long did the journeys take to go from the midwest to California? (Hint: Choose Part I, then "The Journey by Land")
/ What were two purposes for the forts on the Oregon Trail?
(Hint: Choose Part I, then "The Journey by Land")
/ What did the Monroe Doctrine state to European powers?

/ What four things did the transcontinental railroad do for the country?

Using the internet find the answers to the questions below (be sure the site you use if reliable):

What were mountain men and how do they fit in with this time period? How did they dress?

In what year did the California Gold Rush begin?

How many people came to California during the Gold Rush? How did they arrive?

Did the California Gold Rush help California become a state? What can you give to provide evidence for this.

What is important about the year 1837? Explain what happened and why this led to westward expansion.

What year did the following areas abolish slavery? Mexico, France, England, United States (List the year for each of the 4)