America's Westward Expansion

Well before the United States became a nation, European settlers in North America were restlessly moving West. But beginning in 1805, with the explorations of Lewis and Clark, America's expansion to the West became relentless. Why would thousands of men, women, and children want to leave the relative safety and comfort of the East to face an uncertain future in the harsh and "unsettled" West? And what impact did this exodus have on the people who already inhabited the region: the Native Americans?

This highly acclaimed program takes a close look at some of the key events that spurred America's westward expansion, including the impacts of the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark's expedition. It also addresses the conflict generated by this expansion between the new settlers and the Native Americans. And it covers the settlement of Texas, the Oregon Trail and settlements of the Northwest, and the Mexican War.

Teacher's guide includes script, learning objectives, reproducible activities, and bibliography.