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.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Was It Destiny to Move West?
Staging Question
Discuss actions students have taken that resulted in a moral conflict.
What factors influenced westward expansion?
Formative TasksList the factors that influenced westward expansion.
SourcesSource 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
What new technologies influenced westward expansion?
Formative TasksCreate an annotated illustration (e.g., comic strip, political cartoon, timeline) that depicts technological forces that influenced westward expansion.
SourcesSource 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
What conflicts arose from westward expansion?
Formative TasksMake a claim supported by evidence about the conflicts that arose from westward expansion.
SourcesSource 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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