Expansion of the United States

1. Expansion of the United States Map Study

2. Objectives: • 6.1 Trace the stages of America's westward growth through the analysis of maps and primary source accounts. • 6.2 Identify major agricultural post-Civil War American geographic areas on a map. • 6.3 Identify major urban areas of the United States on a map (i.e., Northeast, upper Midwest, Atlantic Coast, California). • 6.4 Analyze the economic, social, and political impact of permanent migration of farmers, miners, merchants, ranchers upon Native Americans in the West. • 6.5 Trace the settlement and transition to statehood of the Western territories. • 6.6 Associate economic interests with their respective geographic regions.

8. Click here for Lewis and Clark Interactive map

13. Polk and manifest destiny In March 1845 James K. Polk became president. Polk was an enthusiastic supporter of national expansion. In fact, he had set his sights on even more territory. He wanted the nation to acquire the land between Texas and the Pacific Ocean. These territories, New Mexico and California, belonged to Mexico. But Polk thought they should become part of the United States. HISTORY’S VOICES “To enlarge [the United States] is to extend the dominions of peace over additional territories and increasing millions … my duty [is] to assert and maintain … the right of the United States to that portion of our territory which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains.” —James K. Polk, Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845 Only a handful of Americans lived in New Mexico and California. They were sparsely populated by Mexican citizens as well. In addition, the Mexican government and army had little presence in either area. Polk sought an opportunity to acquire these remote regions.