Westward Expansion Map and Reading Passage

In this map activity, students will learn about the United States' westward expansion during the 18th and 19th centuries. The activity includes a handout with a map for students to label and an informative article explaining each acquisition. Students will gain a better understanding of the territories obtained by the United States during this time period, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Oregon Territory, and the Mexican Cession, among others. The activity is designed to help students identify and locate areas obtained by the US, as well as the country involved and the manner of acquisition, while also learning about key events in American history. This material meets the requirements of 8.6B, 8.6C, 8.6D, and 8.6E of the 8th grade Social Studies TEKS.