National Expansion (one-day lesson)

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Overview

In this lesson, students will learn about the connection between map-making and national expansion. They will examine a map from 1816 that called for continental expansion and Manifest Destiny. Students will see how the borders of the United States changed after the Mexican War.

Learning Goals:

  • Students will learn about Manifest Destiny and how the idea was evident in 19th century American maps.
  • Students will begin to think critically about the relationship between maps and national expansion.

DAY ONE

Website Materials:

Step 1: 15 minutes: Introduction

a) Hand out “School Geography” and have students answer questions.

b) Share answers and discuss the following question:

Morse makes the point that it’s important for the young nation to study geography as a way of taking ownership of its own lands. What other connections might there be between mapmaking and nation-building?

Step 2: 15 minutes: Read document

a) Hand out “Imagining Expansion” and have students answer questions.

b) Share answers and discuss the following question:

  • What connection do you see between mapmaking and nation-building?
  • In what ways are Morse and Melish making the same point? In what ways do they differ?

Step 3: 20 minutes: Examine maps

a) Hand out “Mexican War” and have students answer questions. (If they are unfamiliar with the Mexican War, they should consult their textbook for the events leading up to the war and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo).

b) Share student answers.

Homework

Have students write 1-2 paragraphs in response to the following prompt:

Using these maps as evidence, what role did maps play in United States’ westward expansion?

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

In order for this homework assignment to meet standards, students must fulfill the following criteria:

  • Refer to specific maps and worksheets in answering the prompt.
  • Include any of the following points in their response: 1) Mapmaking helped Americans develop a sense of national identity and ownership over the land ("School Geography"); 2) Maps allowed Americans to envision territorial expansion ("Imagining Expansion"); 3) Maps allowed Americans to make claims about disputed borders ("Mexican War").
  • Write clearly and persuasively.

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