Introduction
The story of the United States is one of expansion and growth. Since the first settlers arrived on the east coast, individuals looked to the west and dreamed of the possibilities. With expansion however came conflict as the desires of Americans clashed with others already occupying the land. Who was right? Who deserved the land? This WebQuest will examine the clash between westward expansion and the American Indians.
Our Objective: Analyze the impact of expansion and evaluate the United States treatment of the American Indians
Critical Question: Should the expansion of the United States beconsidered a necessity of Manifest Destiny or genocide of the American Indians?
Task
You are going to write an essay on the question:
" Should the expansion of the United States beconsidered a necessity of Manifest Destiny or genocide of the American Indians?"
Process
Step 1 : The history of the Westward expansion
Learn more about the history of the Westward Expansion.
Complete your worksheet with elements from this timeline:
http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/timeline.php
Step 2: The reasons for the expansion
Watch this video and complete your worksheet with the reasons for the expansion:
http://www.teachertube.com/video/westward-expansion-reasons-and-impact-395619
Step 3: The consequences of the expansion
Read the following page and complete the bubble map on your worksheet about the positive an negative consequences of expansion
https://quizlet.com/66002118/positive-and-negative-westward-expansion-consequences-flash-cards/
Step 4: A necessity of Manifest Destiny or a genocide of the American Indians?
1) Define the words "Manifest Destiny" and "genocide".
2) Do you think the Westward expansion was a necessity of Manifest Destiny or a genocide of the American Indians?
Evaluation
You are going to be graded on your researches (15 points) and your essay (5 points).
Conclusion
While westward expansion brought the USA and the citizens opportunity, success, and prosperity it came at a cost. The culture and lifestyle of the American Indians never recovered from the treatment they faced from Americans. Practices such as forced relocation and assimilation caused generations of American Indians to suffer. Even today the American Indian population faces the highest rates of alcoholism, substance abuse, obesity, poverty, teen pregnancy and suicide.
Browse the following links to learn more about American Indians and our local Lumbee tribe, please see the resources below:
Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
Children of the Plains - Diane Sawyer Report
National Congress of American Indians
National American Indian Heritage Month