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Events Occurring During the Westward Expansion
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Louisiana Purchase
On July 4, 1803, President Thomas Jefferson offerd France $15 million dollars to buy the Lousiana Territory. The Louisiana Purchase extended the United States lands from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountians. This purchase doubled the size of the United States, providing a large area to the west of the county for further expansion. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812, was a military conflict that was fought between the United States and Great Britian. It lasted for a couple of years and ended on February 18, 1815. The outcome forced Indian tribes further West to live on tribal reservations. This movement allowed the United States new areas and land that they could expand. -
Indian Removal Act
President Andrew Jackson signed this act in May of 1830. It gave him the authority to remove the Indians that lived east of the Mississippi. The Indian Removal Act forced the Native Americans to relocate away from this area. -
Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War begins and was a war over the rights to Texas. It lasted until February 2, 1848, when the United States paid Mexico for land which later will become the state of California. -
Gold Discovered in California
A man by the name of Jame Marshall discovers gold at Sutter's Mill. As the news spread, people began to rush to California looking for a better life. -
Battle of Wounded Knee
The Battle of Wounded Knee began between the Native Americans and the United States Army. Over 300 Indians were killed including about seven children. The battle marks the end of the war for the West. The Indians finally accepted the wishes of the U.S. government and lived their lives on their reservations.
