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Lesson

Migration West

Guiding question

How did economic factors drive westward expansion and create new opportunities and challenges?

Grade
6–8
Published
Sep 4, 2025
Bronze statue of a man, woman, and child, standing together, looking outwards against a clear blue sky.
What drove immigration westward and what challenges and opportunities did those who undertake it experience?

Founding Principles

Liberty, Limited Government

Virtues

Courage

Objectives

  • Students will explain the various factors that drove immigration west and the challenges and opportunities experienced.

 

Materials

Student Resources:

Teacher Resources:

Lesson Components

EssayReasons for Migration and Westward Expansion Middle School Essay

An essay to help students explore the challenges and opportunities experienced by those who moved west during the mid-1800's.

Lesson plan

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Standards

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