The Early Settlement of the American West
This lesson introduces students to the American West (c.1835–1862). It explores why people moved west, the ideological concept of Manifest Destiny, and the immense physical challenges faced by pioneers crossing the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.
Learning objectives
- Identify the geographic features of the Great Plains and the challenges they presented to settlers.
- Explain the concept of 'Manifest Destiny' and its role in encouraging westward expansion.
- Analyse the 'push' and 'pull' factors that led migrants to travel the Oregon Trail.
- Evaluate the impact of early migration on Native American lifestyles.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Starter · 5 min
Settler: Students list 3 things they already know about 'cowboys and Indians' and 2 questions they have.
Introduction · 10 min
Teacher-led explainer using the 'Manifest Destiny' and 'Great Plains' sections. Introduction of key vocabulary.
Development · 10 min
Primary Source Analysis: Students look at John Gast’s 'American Progress' painting to identify symbols of Manifest Destiny.
Main Activity · 20 min
Differentiated Worksheet Task: Students complete Support, Core, or Stretch tasks based on prior attainment.
Assessment · 10 min
8-Question Multiple Choice Quiz to check understanding of key terms and dates.
Plenary · 5 min
Plenary: 'Exit Ticket' - one reason why people moved West and one reason why it was difficult.
Key vocabulary
- Great Plains
- The mid-section of the USA; vast, flat, and mostly treeless.
- Oregon Trail
- The 2,000-mile route used by pioneers to travel from Missouri to the West Coast.
- Manifest Destiny
- The belief that US expansion was divinely ordained and inevitable.
- Push Factors
- Negative factors that make people want to leave an area (e.g., poverty).
- Pull Factors
- Positive factors that attract people to a new area (e.g., free land).
Core worksheet (first questions)
- Explain the concept of 'Manifest Destiny' and how it influenced settlers.
- Describe one 'Push' factor and one 'Pull' factor for westward migration.
- What were the main geographic challenges of the Great Plains, and how did settlers adapt?
- Why was the buffalo so important to the Plains Indians?
Quiz (sample)
1. What was 'Manifest Destiny'?
- A. A law banning slavery in the West
- B. The belief that US expansion was divinely ordained
- C. A treaty signed with Native Americans
- D. The name of the first steam train to California
2. Which of these was a 'Push' factor for moving West?
- A. The 1837 Economic Crash
- B. Discovery of gold in California
- C. Fertile land in Oregon
- D. Religious freedom
3. Which animal was most central to the Plains Indians' way of life?
- A. Horses
- B. Cattle
- C. Buffalo
- D. Sheep
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