Social Studies Unit 3 Lessons 1 and 2

Front

What is Westward Expansion?

Back

Westward Expansion refers to the period in American history when settlers moved westward across the United States, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny, which was the idea that Americans were destined to expand across the continent.

Front

What does Manifest Destiny mean?

Back

Manifest Destiny is the belief that American colonists were meant to travel into the western part of the country to explore and expand.

Front

What is Migration?

Back

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another.

Front

What was the Underground Railroad?

Back

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the Northern states.

Front

What was the Great Migration?

Back

The Great Migration was the movement of African Americans from the Southern states to Northern and Western cities, seeking job opportunities and escaping racism.

Front

What were Orphan Trains?

Back

Orphan Trains were programs that transported orphaned children from New York City to towns and farms in the Midwest to find them new homes.

Front

What is a reservation?

Back

A reservation is a designated area of land set aside for Native Americans, often where they were forced to relocate.

Front

What does it mean to seek freedom?

Back

To seek freedom means to pursue the right to live without oppression or slavery.

Front

What role did racism play in migration?

Back

Racism often pushed African Americans to migrate from the South to the North and West in search of better opportunities and a more accepting environment.

Front

What is the significance of the Mississippi River in American history?

Back

The Mississippi River served as a major geographical boundary and was significant during the westward expansion and the relocation of Native Americans.