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The Louisiana Purchase
In 1803, The United States made a deal with France and in this deal, France gave the United States the land that is now: Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. This purchase was important for Westward Expansion because it double the size of the country providing more land for settlers. -
California Gold Rush
Between 1848 and 1855, gold was discovered in California and everyone went CRAZY about it. When settlers moved to the west to have a chance to get gold, Native Americans are pushed off their lands. Since so many people went to California, that allowed for California to become a state in 1850. -
The Homestead Act
The Homestead Act of 1862, was the first and last time that the United States gave out free land. This act gave families that moved to the West; 160 acres of free land. Only as long as they used their land in some way, and remained there for 5 years. -
Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
On May 10, 1869, the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific met in Promontory, Utah and put in the last spike that connected their railroads. This affected the whole country, because now; settlers didn't have to risk their lives in wagon trains. They could now cross the country in the Indian Pacific train. -
Invention of the Barbed Wire
The barbed wire was invented in 1867 by Lucien B. Smith, but it wasn't until 1873 when Joseph Glidden sent an application to the U.S. Patent Office. The barbed wire was a type of fence that prevented livestock from escaping. This proved to be useful, especially for Western settlers. -
Battle of Little Bighorn
When gold was discovered in South Dakota many people went there to try to get some gold was well. The Native Americans there were ordered to move to reservations; to not get in the way but the Sioux and Cheyenne people refused to and camped at the Little Bighorn River. General Custer and the 7th Cavalry were sent to scout for enemy troops. When they arrived in the Little Bighorn valley, the Native Americans attacked them; gaining their first and only victory in the American-Indian wars. -
Dawes Act
The Dawes Act of 1887, let the federal government break up tribal lands; separating families, giving them 60 acres of land per family. The purpose/goal of this act was to separate families, so that they would be more independent and to assimilate. -
The Wounded Knee Massacre
On December 29, there was a fight between an Indian and a U.S. Soldier and a shot was fired, although it is not known who fired first. When the United States army heard the shot, they thought that the Indians were fighting against them and they attacked the Indians killing approximately 150 Native Americans; nearly half of them women and children.