In the 1830s a few eager pioneers made the long and dangerous trek out to the west coast in pursuit of good farmland. This was not American land. England claimed this territory as well as Russia, yet by 1843 long wagon trains traveled west along the Oregon Trail.
In order to solve this territory conflict, in 1846 the US made a compromise with Britain, called the Oregon Treaty, extending the US/Canadian boarder straight along the 49th parallel. Further extending the border, Mexico agreed to turn over a large portion of land to the US after the Mexican American War in 1848 in exchange for $15 million.
The flow of pioneers dramatically increased in 1848 when gold was discovered. Some of the miners found gold, but most were disappointed. The quick settlement these vast lands so recently acquired, firmly established the west coast as American.
In class activities:
- Reviewed the Monroe doctrine and manifest destiny
- Read the story of a pioneer family and the tragedies they faced
- Learned about land treaties
- Mapped the new boundaries of the US
- Discussed the Oregon Trail
- Had our own gold rush! Searched for gold (painted rocks)- discussed how some struck it rich, some found fool's gold, and some found nothing at all
Optional lesson extension activities:
- Remember the game Oregon Trail? It is now available as an app. Consider buying it ($4.99) and allowing the kids to learn about the hard choices pioneers had to make.
- Look at historic photographs of the gold rush
- Read about Gold Fever
Assignment:
- Read history cards #12-15
- Practice your timeline
