Introduction to Unit

Throughout the next three weeks we are going to be examining reasons why people during the 19th century chose to up-root themselves and entire families in order to make a new life in the American West. It was here in the American West that legends and myths were born while others were forgotten, dreams of wealth and happiness were achieved while others lost everything they had.

For some people, such as Native Americans, a way of life was altered so dramatically that it would nearly be eradicated. To investigate these stories we will be examining many sources. Primary documents such as journals, oral stories, pictures, and paintings. In addition, we will be viewing dramatizations and cartoons that still feed into how we perceive the settling of the American West. To find the list of resources we will be using during this Unit click here.

There will be a post established for everyday of class, and the postings will begin with the Unit Intro (here) on the top, and every following lesson plan after that. For example the next post will be Lesson 1. To avoid any confusion, every post has a title that corresponds with content covered in class as well as the date. You may find this blog to be very helpful because it will not only summarize the content of the material covered in class, but it will also have links to resources and handouts used in class!

I am excited about teaching this unit and know we will have a great time in class for the next three weeks.