#AP US History: Westward Expansion - The Ultimate Study Guide

Hey there, future AP US History master! Let's break down Westward Expansion. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the exam. We'll hit the key points, make connections, and get you feeling confident. Let's dive in!

#1. The Allure of the West

The 19th-century West was like a giant magnet 🧲, drawing people in with the promise of opportunity. Think of it as the original 'gold rush' of dreams and new beginnings.

Gold and Silver: Discovery of precious metals was a huge draw.
Government Land Grants: The Homestead Act offered free land, which was a major incentive.
Diverse Settlers: Homesteaders, miners, railroad workers, and ranchers – both immigrants and American citizens – all came seeking a fresh start.

Key Concept

The West wasn't just about land; it was about the idea of a new life and upward mobility. This concept is key for understanding why so many people moved west.

#2. Native American Policies and Conflicts

#2.1 "One Big Reservation" Policy

Before the Civil War, the West was considered "Indian Country." The Indian Intercourse Act of 1834 restricted white access. Then, things changed:

Concentration Policy (1851): The government defined specific reservation boundaries for each tribe, forcing relocation to clear land for white settlement.

#2.2 Sand Creek Massacre (1864)

This was a horrific event that highlights the brutality of westward expansion. Colorado military, led by Colonel John Chivington, attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho camp at Sand Creek.

Brutal Attack: Soldiers were ordered to "Kill and scalp all, big and little." Even women and children were murdered.
Failed Peace Attempt: Chief Black Kettle raised American and white flags, but the attack continued.

Common Mistake

Don't confuse Sand Creek with Wounded Knee. Both are massacres but happened at different times and under different circumstances.

#2.3 Battle of Little Bighorn (1876)

Also known as "Custer's Last Stand," this battle was a major Native American victory, but it ultimately fueled public anger and calls for revenge.

Custer's Miscalculation: Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer underestimated the size of the Sioux force.
Sioux Victory: Custer and his men were quickly overwhelmed and killed.

#2.4 Ghost D...

#AP US History: Westward Expansion - The Ultimate Study Guide

#1. The Allure of the West

The 19th-century West was like a giant magnet 🧲, drawing people in with the promise of opportunity. Think of it as the original 'gold rush' of dreams and new beginnings.

Gold and Silver: Discovery of precious metals was a huge draw.
Government Land Grants: The Homestead Act offered free land, which was a major incentive.
Diverse Settlers: Homesteaders, miners, railroad workers, and ranchers – both immigrants and American citizens – all came seeking a fresh start.

Key Concept

The West wasn't just about land; it was about the idea of a new life and upward mobility. This concept is key for understanding why so many people moved west.

#2. Native American Policies and Conflicts

#2.1 "One Big Reservation" Policy

Before the Civil War, the West was considered "Indian Country." The Indian Intercourse Act of 1834 restricted white access. Then, things changed:

Concentration Policy (1851): The government defined specific reservation boundaries for each tribe, forcing relocation to clear land for white settlement.

#2.2 Sand Creek Massacre (1864)

This was a horrific event that highlights the brutality of westward expansion. Colorado military, led by Colonel John Chivington, attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho camp at Sand Creek.

Brutal Attack: Soldiers were ordered to "Kill and scalp all, big and little." Even women and children were murdered.
Failed Peace Attempt: Chief Black Kettle raised American and white flags, but the attack continued.

Common Mistake

Don't confuse Sand Creek with Wounded Knee. Both are massacres but happened at different times and under different circumstances.

#2.3 Battle of Little Bighorn (1876)

Also known as "Custer's Last Stand," this battle was a major Native American victory, but it ultimately fueled public anger and calls for revenge.

Custer's Miscalculation: Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer underestimated the size of the Sioux force.
Sioux Victory: Custer and his men were quickly overwhelmed and killed.

Westward Expansion Social and Cultural Development

Joseph Brown

#AP US History: Westward Expansion - The Ultimate Study Guide

#1. The Allure of the West

#2. Native American Policies and Conflicts

#2.1 "One Big Reservation" Policy

#2.2 Sand Creek Massacre (1864)

#2.3 Battle of Little Bighorn (1876)

#2.4 Ghost D...

How are we doing?

Westward Expansion Social and Cultural Development

Joseph Brown

#AP US History: Westward Expansion - The Ultimate Study Guide

#1. The Allure of the West

#2. Native American Policies and Conflicts

#2.1 "One Big Reservation" Policy

#2.2 Sand Creek Massacre (1864)

#2.3 Battle of Little Bighorn (1876)

#2.4 Ghost D...

How are we doing?