Chapter 16.2
Mexican-American War and Westward Expansion: How a Nation Reached the Pacific
Discover how the Mexican-American War, Manifest Destiny, and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo transformed the United States into a continental power stretching from coast to coast.
What You'll Learn
The Mexican-American War resulted from Texas annexation and border disputes.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo transferred 525,000 square miles to America.
Manifest Destiny justified continental expansion as inevitable and divinely ordained.
The Gold Rush dramatically increased California's population within two years.
What You'll Practice
1
Students analyze territorial consequences of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
2
Learners identify key vocabulary including Manifest Destiny and Mexican Cession.
3
Questions assess understanding of Gold Rush migration and indigenous displacement.
Why This Matters
Understanding the Mexican-American War and westward expansion reveals how territorial ambitions, military conflict, and ideology permanently shaped the borders, demographics, and political tensions of the modern United States.
This Unit Includes
Practice exercises
Learning resources
Skills
Manifest Destiny
Territorial Expansion
Treaty Analysis
Gold Rush
Military Conflict
OH Curriculum Aligned
