Unit 3: Westward Expansion Flashcards
War of 1812
A war with Great Britain
Causes of War of 1812
- The British captured Americans and forced them to sail on British ships and serve the Royal Navy in its war against France
- Britain was making it hard for the United States to trade with other countries
- Britain was encouraging and helping Native Americans to resist American settlers
Events of War of 1812
- British soldiers set fire to the White House and the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
- Francis Scott Key wrote a poem inspired by events of the war – this was later made into the song “The Star Spangled Banner”
Louisiana Purchase
Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million. This allowed the U.S. to gain more land and expand further west - It nearly doubled the U.S. size.
Lewis & Clark
These men led an expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase and wanted to map the new territory and study natural history. They were hoping to find an easy way to get to the Pacific Ocean.
Thomas Jefferson
Made the Louisiana Purchase, Sent explorers westward, Doubled the size of the United States, Gained control of the Mississippi River for the United States.
The Alamo
At the Alamo, the Texans fought a famous battle against Mexico and the Texans lost - all the Texans died. “Remember the Alamo” was a slogan/phrase that inspired others to fight for independence from Mexico.
Oregon Trail
A path traveled by settlers to get to the West in the 1840’s to 1860’s.
California Gold Rush
In 1848 gold was discovered in California.
Steamboats
It made travel much faster.
Steam Locomotive
Allowed people to travel faster and safer and move goods faster.
Cotton Gin
Resulted in an increase in the number of enslaved people in the south.
Telegraph
Helped people communicate by sending messages over long distances.
Erie Canal
Allowed goods to be shipped faster and easier across the state
