In this project based learning unit, grade 4 students will discover how people from different times and places shaped the countries of North America from 15,000 years ago to 1975.
Beringia & Indigenous Peoples (Video - 4:99)
Who were the first people in America & Timeline
1600 - 1783 - Colonial Period to American Revolution
During the period between 1783 and 1880 in North America, the United States went through significant changes as it expanded westward. Here are some key points to share with your 4th graders:
End of the Revolutionary War (1783): In 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the Revolutionary War and granting independence to the United States from Great Britain. This marked the beginning of the nation's journey as a new independent country.
Louisiana Purchase (1803): In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson made the Louisiana Purchase, acquiring a vast territory from France. This doubled the size of the United States and opened up new opportunities for westward expansion.
Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806): President Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and find a route to the Pacific Ocean. Their expedition provided valuable information about the western lands and Native American tribes.
Manifest Destiny: The concept of Manifest Destiny emerged during the 19th century, promoting the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the continent from east to west. This idea fueled westward expansion and settlement.
California Gold Rush (1848-1855): The discovery of gold in California in 1848 triggered a massive migration of people seeking wealth and opportunity. The Gold Rush accelerated westward expansion and led to the rapid growth of California's population.
Transcontinental Railroad: The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 connected the east and west coasts of the United States, facilitating transportation, trade, and further settlement of the western frontier.
Homestead Act (1862): The Homestead Act encouraged settlement of the western United States by offering 160 acres of land to anyone who would farm it for five years. This legislation promoted westward expansion and the development of agriculture in the region.
1600 - 1783 - Colonial Period to American Revolution
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