Understand the impact of Manifest Destiny and westward expansion on the Plains Indians of 1865 –1890; identify Indian wars and reservation policies as factors in Native American resettlement; evaluate governmental treaties and policies regarding Native Americans.

Nineteenth century America saw a surge in westward expansion with the emergence of Manifest Destiny, the belief in a divinely inspired mission to inhabit the entire continent. By 1850, nearly 4,000,000 Americans had moved to western territories. The U.S. Homestead Act of 1862 lured even more farmers, ranchers, and minors westward, while the Transcontinental Railroad Act opened the West to trade. As the number of railroads increased, the once plentiful bison population diminished. So, too, did the ability of Plains Indians to survive on their ancestral lands. Clashes between Native Americans and U.S. troops became known as the Indian wars. The U.S. government entered into hundreds of treaties with Native Americans, yet peace was elusive. The struggle over land resulted in the relocation of the Plains Indians to reservations, where they faced an entirely new way of life.

• CA  Chronological and Spatial Thinking: 3; Historical Interpretation: 4
• TX  113.32(2): a; 113.33(25): d, h; 113.38(1): c. e
• FL  SS.A.4.4: 1
• NCSS  I (HS): a, c; II (HS): d, e; IV (HS): e; IX (HS):b

2 class periods

• Activity Sheet, Westward Expansion and the Plains Indians
• Timeline, Chronology of Daily Life on the 19th Century American Frontier 
• Graphic Organizer, Multiple Effects Chart
• Writing Rubric and/or Performance Rubric

Students have the opportunity to write a Research Report (see Extension below).

How did westward expansion affect Native Americans on the Plains?

Point of View Students will deliver an oral history created from the point of view of a Plains Indian during the period of westward expansion in America. Students will research the political, social, and cultural clashes that affected the daily life of Native Americans.

Have students research the topic using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer.

John Gast’s American Progress (1872) depicts the spirit of Manifest Destiny.

To start students thinking about the effects of westward expansion on the Plains Indians, have them examine the painting.

Key questions students should answer are:

• Did the artist portray Manifest Destiny in a positive or negative light?
• Do you think this portrayal shows the perspective of settlers or Native Americans? Why?

Distribute the Student Activity sheet. Have students work in groups to conduct their research. Remind students to include sensory details, and elements of setting and character. Have students consider these topics:

• Manifest Destiny
• Cultural Clashes/Indian Wars
• U.S. Governmental Policies
• Railroads/Demise of the Buffalo
• Indian Missions/Reservations
• Opposing Views on Land Ownership

Students should discuss their findings with their group members. They will then work individually to compose an oral history. After, they will read their histories to the class.

Explain that oral storytelling is a Native American tradition that can include metaphors and figurative language. Review effective oral presentation skills with students.

Use the Writing Rubric and/or Performance Rubric to assess students’ work. Have students use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Ask students: Were U.S. government policies regarding Native Americans fair to both sides? Why or why not?

Expository Writing Have students use Daily Life through History to research and write about the lives of white settlers during westward expansion. Critical Thinking: ANALYZE