Environment

By: Shirley-Ann FelicianoAP US History Ms.Blatteau

Why did the Westward expansion occur?

• Dramatic increase in population• fertile land• slaves wanted to be free• more land

The Westward Expansion!

What was the "Trail of Tears"?

Trail of tears was when American colonist decided to expand their territory and the Congress, in 1830, passed the Indian Removal Act. In this event five (civilized) Native groups were pushed west:

o Cherokeeso Creekso Choctawso Chickasawso Seminoles

 In this event approximately 4,000 Indian died before they arrived to the destination, Oklahoma.

George Catlin What did he do?:

o  Painter o  Painted Native Americans

during the Trail of Tearso Advocated preserving natureo proposed the idea of

creating a national park Why are his paintings so important?:

o  They were primary sources of this time period

Some of George Catlin's Paintings

"Trial of Tears"

 Primary Source

 The American Pageant, page 284   

How did the westward expansion and the Trail of Tears impact the American

identity?

-The westward expansion along with the "Trail of Tears" were results of Americans thinking about themselves. 

For example:• Population was increasing • fertile land• more land/territory

 In my opinion, the American identity was influenced by this because it shows us, and the world, how Americans did not put themselves in the Natives' shoes.   

Bibliography:

• The American Pageant• Voices of Freedom- source book• http://www.pbs.org/topics/history/• http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/

part4/4p2959.html• http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/

nattrans/ntecoindian/essays/indianremoval.htm

• Youtube• Ms.Blatteau

Thank You

For watching!