Louisiana Purchase

General

The lesson teaches students about the Louisiana Purchase and the expansion of the United States to the west. The lesson also includes a brief introduction to Lewis and Clark and Pike's expeditions. The lesson includes an informative video and a link to a website where students can view real-life images from the journal entries of Lewis and Clark.

Learning Objective

Students will be able to examine events of the early nation including the Louisiana Purchase.

Introduction

Explain that in the early 1800s, the United States was growing rapidly and began to expand out west. Ask students what they know about the Louisiana Purchase. Have they ever moved to a new place? What challenges did they face?

Instruction

Explain how President Jefferson wanted to purchase New Orleans from the French. Go over the benefits of acquiring this territory. Discuss the Treaty of San Lorenzo and the efforts of Robert Livingston. Show students the map of the Louisiana territory then watch the embedded video to learn some more information. Have students write a paragraph explaining the importance of the Louisiana Purchase. After this, discuss the journey of Lewis and Clark. Click on the link to be taken to a website where students can view real images from their journal entries. Ask students to analyze the type of information they documented while on their journey. Next, discuss the journey of Zebulon Pike and the effects of this type of exploration.

Quiz

Check student understanding with ten multiple-choice and true or false questions.

Closing

Students will create a diagram that lists the benefits of acquiring the Louisiana Territory.