It was 1815 and all motion was westward. The reasons were as different as could be, the paths hugely varied, the experiences unique. But the result was the same – over the next three decades almost everything about the United States would change. Put on your boots, grab a horse or climb onto a covered wagon, and join the journey.
For kids learning about U.S. history, this issue paints a finely-honed picture of American trailblazers, the trails they blazed, and the pioneer families who used them to create a new life for themselves and the nation. At each turn, kids explore the devastating effect of westward expansion on the American Indian population.
Kids who want more details about American Indians during this period can read about the effect of President Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act, the 800-mile Trail of Tears during Martin Van Buren’s presidency, and the American Indians’ continual battle to retain their land and way of life. Kids captivated by the “wild west” will enjoy the story of the Alamo, the Gold Rush, and the final surge that brought Texas, California and Oregon, Utah, Minnesota, and New Mexico Territories into the United States. And who wouldn’t want to know the backstory of cities named Houston and Austin. It’s all here!
8 Topics in this unit
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The United States in 1815
Your family has seen so many changes in the year 1815, you can hardly count them. You&rsqu ...
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The Indian Removal Act
There’s a big meeting of the elders in your Cherokee tribe, and everyone’s in ...
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Trails West
It’s been a long trip over bumpy land and rushing rivers, but your family has finall ...
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Westward Ho!
Finally, your family is headed west! During the day, you get to walk alongside the oxen as ...
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Crossing the Plains
How big could a single wagon train be? In 1843, Dr. Marcus Whitman led one assembly of 1,0 ...
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Lone Star State
It’s been three months since your family moved to Texas, and more and more people ar ...
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Growth and Conflict
As you sweep up the back room of your dad’s shop, you hear him talking with some oth ...
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Race to California
It’s 1848, and strangers have come to your family’s ranch with some stunning n ...
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