Activity Overview
Rallying around the idea of an American border at 54°40’ North latitude, Americans were willing to fight Great Britain over the swampy, wooded area. With war raging in Mexico, however, many were relieved when conflict was avoided during the negotiations. America soon found the idea of manifest destiny fully realized when their territory officially stretched to the Pacific Ocean.
Using a spider map, students will illustrate the 5 Ws of America acquiring the Oregon Territory. By detailing the major points of conflict with Great Britain, and the United States being on the brink of war, students will analyze and explain how America peacefully acquired what is now the Northwest continental United States.
Extended Activity
Have students use a spider map to further detail a present state in the Northwest territory. Students should focus on economics, functions, populations, commerce, etc. to expand on what the area means to present day America. Utilize the 5 W’s activity to allow students to compare and contrast the path from territorial acquisition to statehood.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the acquisition of the Oregon Territory: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Rallying around the idea of an American border at 54°40’ North latitude, Americans were willing to fight Great Britain over the swampy, wooded area. With war raging in Mexico, however, many were relieved when conflict was avoided during the negotiations. America soon found the idea of manifest destiny fully realized when their territory officially stretched to the Pacific Ocean.
Using a spider map, students will illustrate the 5 Ws of America acquiring the Oregon Territory. By detailing the major points of conflict with Great Britain, and the United States being on the brink of war, students will analyze and explain how America peacefully acquired what is now the Northwest continental United States.
Extended Activity
Have students use a spider map to further detail a present state in the Northwest territory. Students should focus on economics, functions, populations, commerce, etc. to expand on what the area means to present day America. Utilize the 5 W’s activity to allow students to compare and contrast the path from territorial acquisition to statehood.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the acquisition of the Oregon Territory: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Acquisition of the Oregon Territory 1846
How to Lead a Class Debate on the Oregon Territory Acquisition
Engage students in a structured debate to deepen understanding of the Oregon Territory acquisition. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps students view history from multiple perspectives.
Assign teams to represent the U.S. and Great Britain.
Divide your class into two groups—one for the United States, one for Great Britain. This sets the stage for exploring both sides of the historical negotiation.
Provide students with research materials.
Distribute primary sources, maps, and textbook excerpts about the Oregon Territory dispute. Offer guiding questions to help students focus on key events and arguments.
Have teams develop opening statements.
Ask each group to prepare a brief statement outlining their nation's position and goals. This builds essential skills in persuasive writing and historical analysis.
Moderate the debate and encourage respectful rebuttals.
Facilitate the debate by alternating between teams for arguments and rebuttals. Guide students to use evidence and remain respectful, fostering a positive learning environment.
Reflect on the negotiation and outcomes.
Lead a class discussion about how peaceful negotiation shaped the territory’s future. Encourage students to connect historical decisions to present-day diplomacy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acquisition of the Oregon Territory 1846
What was the significance of the Oregon Territory acquisition in 1846?
The Oregon Territory acquisition in 1846 was significant because it extended the United States' boundaries to the Pacific Ocean, fulfilled the idea of Manifest Destiny, and peacefully resolved a major territorial dispute with Great Britain. This expansion laid the groundwork for future states in the Northwest.
How did the United States acquire the Oregon Territory without going to war?
The United States acquired the Oregon Territory through diplomatic negotiations with Great Britain, avoiding war by agreeing to set the border at the 49th parallel. The ongoing war with Mexico made Americans eager for a peaceful resolution, leading to the Oregon Treaty of 1846.
What are the 5 Ws of the Oregon Territory acquisition lesson for students?
The 5 Ws for the Oregon Territory acquisition are: Who: United States & Great Britain; What: Peaceful acquisition of land; When: 1846; Where: Pacific Northwest; Why: Manifest Destiny and westward expansion.
How can students use a spider map to analyze the Oregon Territory acquisition?
Students can use a spider map to organize the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) of the Oregon Territory acquisition. They create a central idea with branches for each W, adding key details and images to visually explain the event.
What is an engaging classroom activity to teach about the acquisition of the Oregon Territory?
An engaging activity is to have students create a 5 W spider map about the Oregon Territory acquisition. They answer who, what, when, where, and why, illustrate each point, and compare the historical event to a present-day Northwest state.
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U.S. Territorial Expansion 1783-1959
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