1. Learning Objective: (Word Transfer T-S-PS-NV<3>)
Students will be able to describe the goals and methods of Manifest Destiny.
Activate Prior Knowledge
We already know that America started out as 13 colonies under the control of Great Britain. However, in the 1800s America starts to expand beyond its original borders.
Pair Share: Look at the timeline below. During whose presidencies did the growth of the United States occur?
Washington Jefferson Jackson Polk
Expansion of the United States
Pair Share: Have you ever felt like you wanted something so badly, it was your right to have it? Discuss with your partner.

2. Concept Development:
Manifest Destiny is the belief that it is America’s right AND fate to spread west across the American continent from “sea to shining sea”.
From 1803 to 1848, America acquired1 six new territories2 to the United States to achieve Manifest Destiny.
Pair Share: Look at the map below. What is a state that was added because of Manifest Destiny?
The United States added territory by one of three ways:
Diplomacy3
Purchase
War
Key Vocabulary
1. Acquired: to add or to get
2. Territory: land or area; not in a state or country
3. Diplomacy: to conduct deals with other countries
Pair Share: What were the three ways the United States added land? Which of the three do you think was the most effective way to do it? Why?

3. was their duty to extend the borders from “sea to shining sea”.
Concept Development
Many Americans thought it was not only the country’s divine right (authority from God) to spread westward, but it
was their duty to extend the borders from “sea to shining sea”.
We will be looking at 5 different territories for expansion.
Louisiana Purchase
Florida
Texas
Oregon Country
Mexican Cession
Label the blank map on your student handout
CFU
Describe some Americans’ attitude toward westward expansion.

4. Pair-Share: What details do you see in this picture?
Pair-Share: What is happening to the Native Americans and Buffalo in the painting?
Pair-Share: The woman at the center of this painting is supposed to represent the American spirit. Why do you think she is carrying a school book and telephone lines?
Pair-Share: Notice that one side of the painting is very bright but the other side is not. What might the darkness in the West represent?
Pair-Share: What direction are all of the people in this painting heading? Use the compass to help you. Why are they heading that direction?
Pair-Share: What details do you see in this picture?
Skill Development:
Pair Share: In your own words, what is Manifest Destiny?

5. Why does Manifest Destiny matter?
Relevance/Advanced Question:
Why does Manifest Destiny matter?
Expansion is part of our national heritage.
You will be asked what Manifest Destiny is on the test and discuss how different groups felt about it.
Advanced Research Topic: Do we still have Manifest Destiny?
Pair-Share: What other reasons might make it important to understand this issue today?

6. Exit Ticket/Closure
Use your notes to complete the following.
1. In your own words, what is the goal of Manifest Destiny and what are two methods the United States used to accomplish it?
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