U.S. History | Manifest Destiny | Who Moved West | Document Based Activity

In this Full Color, High-interest Presentation and Document Based Activity, your students will learn about Manifest Destiny/ Westward Expansion and the 8 groups who moved WEST during that period.

The 8 groups that are included in the presentation are: The Explorers (Lewis & Clark), Mountain Men, Pioneer Women, Mormons, Californios, 49ers (Gold Rush), Chinese, Missionaries (Marcus & Narcissa Whitman). All materials, an answer key for the Document Based Activity and student handouts are included!

Specifically, your students will:

1) Complete a review of Manifest Destiny/Westward Expansion using a map and a “Give one, Get One” interactive class activity.

2) View a presentation & take notes/create sketches (either teacher- led or independently) on the 8 groups of people that moved West; the reasons why, the roadblocks encountered and the results of their westward movement.

3) Work in small groups (pairs) or independently, to examine a set of primary source excerpts, photographs etc. related to the 8 groups that moved West & will answer corresponding questions to guide their understanding of the sources.

**A Google and Traditional version of the activity is included for your use!