Westward Expansion: Migration, Maps, and Analysis
Use the provided maps, chart, and primary/secondary sources to answer the questions below. Some questions require analysis of multiple sources. Be sure to refer to the visuals and texts in Section I when answering questions in Sections II and III.
Group 1
Section I: Sources & Visuals
Carefully review the maps, primary sources, and chart provided below. You will use these resources to answer questions in the next sections.
Source 1.1
Map of all three trails (Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, California Trail) showing major routes of westward expansion.
Source 1.2
Map showing the territorial growth of the continental United States, including the Louisiana Purchase, Texas Annexation, Mexican Cession, and Oregon Territory.
Source 1.3
"We, the undersigned, acknowledge that we have been removed from our lands and are now to be relocated west of the Mississippi. Many of our people are sick, and the journey will be long and difficult. Our villages and farms are left behind, as are the graves of our ancestors."
Source 1.4
"Dear sister, the fertile lands of the Oregon Territory promise a new start. Though the journey is long, we carry with us hope and the tools to farm. The rivers will provide water, and forests timber, yet the unknown dangers are many."
Source 1.5
"Between 1803 and 1877, westward expansion was driven by economic opportunity, government policies like the Homestead Act, and the ideology of Manifest Destiny. Migration was both voluntary, as settlers sought land and wealth, and forced, as Native Americans were removed from ancestral lands."
Source 1.6
"The movement west reshaped American society. Settlers adapted to new environments, Native populations were displaced, and slavery expanded into new territories, highlighting the intersection of social, political, and economic forces. Here is a simple comparison chart showing overall population growth in the Eastern United States vs. Western territories/states during the 1800s. (Numbers are rounded for clarity and based on U.S. Census trends.)
Population Growth: East vs. West (1800–1890)
| Year | Eastern U.S. Population | Western U.S. Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1800 | ~5,000,000 | ~200,000 |
| 1820 | ~8,000,000 | ~1,000,000 |
| 1840 | ~14,000,000 | ~3,000,000 |
| 1860 | ~22,000,000 | ~7,000,000 |
| 1880 | ~35,000,000 | ~17,000,000 |
| 1890 | ~50,000,000 | ~22,000,000 |
Group 2
Section II: Multiple Choice Questions
Use the sources and visuals from Section I to answer the following questions. Select the best answer for each.
Question 2a
Using Map B and Source 1, what conclusion can be drawn about the relationship between federal policy and Native American migration?
Question 2b
Using Map A, why did major migration routes avoid the Rocky Mountains and instead follow river valleys?
Question 2c
Which example best illustrates forced migration during westward expansion?
Question 2d
Which supporting question would best help analyze the effects of westward expansion on Native Americans?
Question 2e
How did economic opportunities influence voluntary migration to western territories?
Question 2f
How did the Homestead Act of 1862 influence westward expansion?
Question 2g
Using Chart D and Map B, which explanation best accounts for the rapid western population growth after 1850?
Question 2h
Which political factor most directly caused the forced relocation of Native Americans during westward expansion?
Question 2i
Looking at Map A, which geographic factor most influenced the settlement of the Great Plains?
Question 2j
Which question would help a historian understand the economic impact of westward expansion on settlers?
Group 3
Section III: Short Answer (CER)
Using at least two of the provided sources, answer the following prompt. Be sure to clearly state your Claim, provide specific Evidence from the sources, and explain your Reasoning.
Question 3a
Explain how political, economic, social, and environmental factors influenced both forced and voluntary migration during westward expansion. Use at least two sources from Section I to support your answer. Clearly identify your claim, cite evidence, and explain your reasoning.
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