1. Unit 5: An Expanding Nation
Theme 10: Settling the West

2. expansion- the action of becoming larger or spreading out.
Westward expansion was the spread of the population westward.

3. pioneer- a person who opens the way for others to follow
Pioneer families had many struggles to overcome when searching for a better life.

4. migration- the movement of people or animals form one location to another
Animals often go through migration stages to continue their existence.

5. ascend– to go up or climb
This mountain climber will have to ascend the mountain to reach the peak.

6. desolate- an empty, bare place where nothing lives; sad or lonely
It is very lonely to be in a desolate area of the country.

7. barter- to trade goods or services for other goods or services
We can barter the fish for the cornmeal.

8. existence- a way of life
The existence of the natives has not changed over the years.

9. inspect- to look at carefully
When a house is about to be purchased, it is important to have it inspected carefully.

10. locomotive- the engine that pulls or pushes railroad cars
Locomotives were used to transfer cargo and people from place to place.

11. homestead- the house, building, and land where a family lives
Many pioneers built homesteads to raise their families.