With the end of the Civil War, Americans again turned their attention to the West. During the war, Congress had passed the Homestead Act which gave 160 acres of free land to any citizen who promised to live on and improve the land for at least five years. Thousands of Americans, many of whom were recent immigrants, rushed to take advantage of this offer.

Other Americans, however, had begun to move into the western territories long before the Civil War. The thrill of adventure, the opportunity for profit, the lure of gold, the promise of land, or the simple freedom of wide-open spaces drew people westward.

In 1800 the land that would become the American West lay waiting, occupied only by small groups of Native Americans. By 1900, all but two of the western territories had achieved statehood and the Bureau of the Census had declared the frontier "closed." The purpose of this activity will be to learn who went west, why they went west, and the effects of their going west on those who were already there.

In Class
Homework

Week of 10/3 -

Creating America

American History

Week of 10/10 -

  • Continue to work on project activities outside of class. Get caught up if you are behind!

  • Ask for pre-signed passes as needed.
     

Week of 10/17 -

  • Continue to work on project activities. Get caught up if you are behind!

  • Ask for pre-signed passes as needed.
     

Western Settlement Test!

  • Friday, 10/21

 

Due Dates

Video
Wednesday, 10/12 Activities 1-4 Activity 4: Homesteading - 70 Years On The Great Plains

Activity 5: The Transcontinental Railroad
Wednesday, 10/19 All activities due by 3:00 p.m.
Friday, 10/21 TEST - Western Settlement

 

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Plan B