Westward Expansion Study Guide

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Causes of The War of 1812

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The U.S. was upset with Britain for interfering with American trade and forcing American sailors to join the British Navy. Britain supported Native American tribes resisting American settlers moving westward.

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Importance of The War of 1812

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The War of 1812 showed that the U.S. could defend itself against powerful nations like Britain.

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Burning of the Capitol and White House

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In 1814, British troops invaded Washington, D.C., and set fire to important buildings, including the Capitol and the White House.

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The Star-Spangled Banner

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During the Battle of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem that later became the U.S. national anthem.

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Trail of Tears

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In the 1830s, Native American tribes, like the Cherokee, were forced to leave their lands in the Southeast and move to reservations in Oklahoma. Thousands died on the journey.

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Battle of Little Bighorn

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In 1876, Native American tribes, led by leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, defeated U.S. troops. However, the U.S. government eventually took more Native American lands.

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Forced Relocation of Native Americans

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Many Native Americans were forced to live on reservations, losing their traditional lands and way of life due to westward expansion.

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The U.S. bought a large area of land from France, doubling the size of the country.

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This purchase is known as the Louisiana Purchase.

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Lewis and Clark were sent by President Thomas Jefferson.

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They explored the new territory, mapped the land, learned about Native American tribes, and found a route to the Pacific Ocean.

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American settlers in Texas fought for independence from Mexico.

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This event is known as the Texas Annexation.