EXPLORING THE EXPANSION OF THE UNITED STATES

Territories Transformed

During the 19th century . . .

The borders of the United States changed dramatically!

The country acquired new and substantial territories, which were later divided into states.

To understand these changes . . .

Let’s play a game. Divide into 3 groups that will represent France, Spain,

and the United States. You will be given puzzle pieces that correspond to your

territories, which will be transferred from one group to another.

Please note: This game simplifies the process of expansion by using present-day states to represent the United States’ land gains. For example, the Louisiana Purchase is symbolized by the

transfer (from France to the United States) of the present-day states within the Colony of Louisiana. Although territorial divisions often cut across the boundaries of present-day states, this simplification was made for ease of play.

1800

1803

United States The Louisiana Purchase: Pay France $15,000,000.

France Give the Colony of Louisiana to the United States.

(Present-day states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota)

1821

Spain The Adams-Onís Treaty: Give Florida to the United

States. The Viceroyalty of New Spain achieves independence.

Your group will now change to represent Mexico.

1845

Mexico Annexation of Texas by the United States: Give Texas

and New Mexico to the United States.

1846

United States Oregon Treaty with the United Kingdom: Add Idaho,

Oregon, and Washington.

1848

United States The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: Pay Mexico

$15,000,000.

Mexico Give Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming

to the United States.

1867

United States Alaska Purchase: Pay Russia $7,200,000. Add Alaska.

1898

United States Annexation of Hawaii: Add Hawaii.

Image Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_1800-07-04-1800-07-10.png

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_1821-08-1822.png http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_1846-06-1846-12.png http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_1848-02-1848-05.png http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_1867-10-1868.png http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_1898-1907.png http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/SPAN0001.GIF http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/FRAN0001.GIF http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/UNST0001.GIF http://www.flags.net/MEXC.htm http://www.theus50.com/images/state-outline-maps/alaska-outline.gif http://www.united-states-map.com/usa-conic-1225-916.gifhttp://

www.theus50.com/images/state-outline-maps/hawaii-outline.gif