West Expansion Flashcards Big Ideas

Flashcards about West Expansion.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the U.S. was meant to expand from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Transcontinental Railroad

A railroad built by Union Pacific and Central Pacific, meeting at Promontory Point, Utah, that helped people travel faster and move goods across the West.

Oregon Trail Hardships

Diseases, bad weather, accidents, lack of food or clean water, and difficult terrain faced by people moving West.

Reasons for Moving West

Hoping to find gold, get free or cheap land, start a new life, or have more freedom.

The Alamo

Texans fought hard but lost to the Mexican army at the Alamo.

"Remember the Alamo"

A battle cry that reminded Texans of their bravery and inspired them to fight harder for freedom.

Boomtown

A town that quickly grows when gold or silver is found.

Boomtown Businessmen

Got rich by selling supplies, food, and services to miners.