Manifest Destiny Web Quest

Introduction

In the early 19th century, the United States was a nation on the move, filled with ambition and a desire to grow. As pioneers and settlers ventured westward, they believed in: Manifest Destiny. This was the belief that it was America's divine mission to expand across the North American continent, spreading its culture, government, and way of life.

In this WebQuest, you will take on the role of a historian researching the people, events, and consequences of Manifest Destiny. As you explore primary sources, analyze perspectives from various groups, and connect the historical facts, you will uncover the complex realities behind America's territorial expansion and its lasting impact on the nation.

 

Task

  • Understand the Origins of Manifest Destiny

    • Find out who coined the term "Manifest Destiny" and what the intent behind it was

  • Explore the Impact on American Society

    • Investigate how Manifest Destiny influenced American politics, culture, and economics during the 1800s.
    • Focus on how Native Americans, Mexicans, and other groups were affected by this expansion.

  • Analyze the Consequences of Manifest Destiny

    • Evaluate how Manifest Destiny led to territorial expansion, including the annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War, and the Oregon Trail.
    • Investigate the long-term consequences of Manifest Destiny.

  • Was Manifest Destiny a positive force in history or a harmful ideology Consider the perspectives of Native Americans, Mexicans, and abolitionists.?

Process

Research:

Look at the following primary sources: Manifest Destiny by John Sullivan https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=362 & American Progress by John Gast https://picturinghistory.gc.cuny.edu/john-gast-american-progress-1872/

https://www.ncpedia.org/anchor/primary-source-soldier-0

Read the following secondary sources: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1830-1860/indian-treaties, https://history.state.gov/milestones/1830-1860/texas-annexation & https://pro-papers.com/samples/history/manifest-destiny/the-oregon-trai…;

You may research on your own to find resources beneficial to your argument. 

Watch the following video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKdwlJRvzhY

Answer the following questions: 

  • Where did the Term Manifest Destiny Originate? 
  • How did Manifest destiny affect Native Americans? Slaves? Mexico?
  • How did Manifest Destiny affect different groups in different ways? 

Create a Timeline that highlights the key events that envision manifest destiny or build the idea. (Ex. James K. Polk, John Sullivan, American Progress)

Prepare to Debate: You are either going to take on the role of someone pro Manifest destiny or against it. Create an argument for your side and be prepared to defend it. 

 

 

Evaluation

You will be evaluated on:

Your understanding of Manifest Destiny, How well did you summarize and explain the concept. 

Your Timeline: Do you highlight key points or figures? 

Your critical thinking skills: Did you reflect on the consequences of Manifest Destiny, did you consider different perspectives? 

Debate Participation: Did you participate in the debate? How well did you argue your key point?

Conclusion

With this Webquest, you will gain a deeper understanding of how Manifest Destiny shaped America as well as how it affected different groups of people during the time. Think about how America today is still impacted by Manifest Destiny (Land rights, foreign policy, identity) 

Credits
Teacher Page

I believe this lesson on Manifest Destiny is culturally relevant and increases awareness due to the variety of sources used. It highlights how different cultures were affected by Manifest Destiny in positive & Negative ways. The Primary sources used show how White Americans at the time were portraying Manifest Destiny as a Devine right, The Soldier's letter recalls the sadness of Native Americans being forced from their lands highlighting their struggles. The secondary sources build upon the primary sources as well as bring in the perspectives of people on the Oregon trail and the Mexican American war. The trail of tears in Native American culture is one of the key events that shapes their history centered around their struggles to survive. The Mexican-American war highlights issues surrounding slavery & race. 

This webquest is able to be utilized from both within a traditional classroom or online, a teacher could print some of these sources or utilize paper copies. Technology is utilized through the sites & Youtube video.