A Growing Nation

Chapter 6: A Growing Nation

Chapter Review

Native American Trails

Native Americans knew the land well. They traveled by boats on rivers and by foot on trails they had made.

The Wagon Train

Covered wagons that people used to travel together to the West on the National Road in safety.

Railroads

Trains called steam locomotives used steam engines to run on the transcontinental railroad tracks across the continent.

Highways

A huge highway system was built in the 1900's. This helped people travel easily across the United States.

The Homestead Act

Families could buy land to start a new life in the West.

The Gold Rush

Gold was discovered in California and thousands of people came from around the world to search for it.

The Chinese Exclusion Act

Many immigrants came from China during the Gold Rush. Some people thought they were taking too many jobs. This act stopped immigration from China for 10 years.

The Pony Express

A mail system where horse riders rode to the West delivering mail.

The Telephone

It was unique because people could talk without seeing each other.

Activists

Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman worked hard to help free enslaved African Americans.

Vaccines

Dr. Salk invented a vaccine to help fight the polio virus. Vaccines help keep people healthy.