US Territorial Expansion Timeline 1803-1959
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U.S. Territorial Expansion (1783-1959)
Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett
After the United States gained their independence, they set their sights on the territory to the west, and the expansion carried on into the 20th century. War, economics, culture, and innovation are prevalent and recurring themes surrounding territorial expansion. Engage students with premade activities and storyboards with Storyboard That.
Storyboard Description
US Territorial Expansion - Using a timeline storyboard, students will be able to chronologically outline the major territorial acquisitions of the United States beginning in 1803, and ending in 1959. By detailing and summarizing each acquisition, students will be able to gain a holistic perspective as to how the United States came to be what it is today geographically. Furthermore, students will be able to analyze the different methodologies in gaining each territory, as well as their historical significance.
Storyboard Text
- LOUISIANA PURCHASE
- TIMELINE: U.S. TERRITORIAL ACQUISITIONS, 1803-1959
- As a young, ambitious country, the United States aimed to continue expansion. In 1803, with Thomas Jefferson as president, the U.S. brokers a deal with France for the Louisiana Purchase. The acquisition doubles the size of the United States.
- FLORIDA ACQUISITIONS
- Under President James Monroe, the U.S. fiercely contests Spain for control of both East and West Florida. Spain, weakened from war with France, cedes Florida to the U.S., even despite controversial military moves by General Andrew Jackson.
- Farewell, Spain! Florida is OURS!
- TEXAS ACHIEVES INDEPENDENCE
- As American settlers poured into Northern Mexico, so did their ideas of independence and autonomy. After warring with Mexico for over three years, Texans finally achieve independence, remaining their own republic for nine years.
- OREGON TERRITORY
- MEXICAN CESSION
- All this new territory!
- We've defeated Mexico!
- OREGON 35 MI.
- Desiring Texas, and fueled by the idea of manifest destiny, the U.S. initiates war with Mexico. After nearly three years of fighting, the U.S. defeats Mexico, and is awarded nearly 55% of Mexico's territory; it is now the entire Southwest U.S.
- While at war with Mexico, the U.S. also found themselves contesting Great Britain over the Oregon Territory. Tensions rose, as did the cry for war. However, the territory was peacefully divided at the 49th parallel, and war averted.
- ALASKA AND HAWAII BECOME STATES
- The last two states to enter the Union were Hawaii and Alaska, both in 1959. Hawaii was previously imperialized and made a territory in 1893. Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million dollars.
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