1. Unit 4: Closing the West
Time Period:

2. Thought Jot
Some times Outer Space is called the Final Frontier. It is one of the last places left to explore.
In your own words, what is a “frontier?”

3. The AmericanFrontier
Frontier: the border between “explored and settled” and “unexplored and unknown”—filled with unknown rewards and unknown risks. The USA had always had a Western Frontier. As long settlers could move west, people felt that nation could keep growing.

4. The American Frontier
F Before Civil War
After Revolution

5. The American Frontier

6. Things to Consider
Why did people move straight to California and Oregon, instead of settling in the center?
Why do many of the states in the center have names of Spanish origin?
How do technological advances help settle the “Wild West?”

7. The American Frontier
After the Civil War, the “Wild West” was seen by many as the Final Frontier. Many felt that the nation’s future was connected to settling the it.
Make a Risks/Rewards T-chart on your Thought Record
Risks in the Wild West
Rewards in the Wild West

8. Thought Jot: using your T-Chart
What sorts of rewards in the “Wild West” might create a bright future for the USA?
What sorts of risks in the “Wild West” might make it dangerous to settle and live there?

9. John Gast American Progress According to this Famous picture, what
Is happening in the West?

10. Thought Jot
Imagine you are in a wagon train of hopeful settlers moving west. Make a list of reasons you might be willing to risk your life to come west.

11. Changes help settle the frontier…
Problem for Settlers
Changes in Technology or Government Policy
Help to Settlers
Sod House
B. Barbed Wire
C. Windmill
D. Irrigation
E. Homestead Act
F. Transcontinental Railroad
G. Indian Policy
I. Elimination of Buffalo