Diversity and Resistance On The American Frontier

The story of Western Expansion is typically told through the experience of white men. This bundle consists of two reading assignments covering the experience of people of African and Asian descent, transgender people, and women, and a three Native American cultures and their experience with and resistance to Westward Expansion. This assignment is for students learning about American history, particularly the American frontier, otherwise known as the Wild West, women’s history, transgender studies and trans history, African American history, Asian American history, and Native American history and resistance along the American frontier.

Following both readings are a short series of reflection questions for students to better engage with their learning. These questions can be assigned as individual writing assignments or can be used to lead small group or full class discussions. This assignment can be used as a standalone assignment or tied into a larger unit.