Manifest Destiny: War on the Plains

This lesson examines the Indian Wars of the late nineteenth century and the idea of Manifest Destiny through multiple visual, written, and oral history sources by Turner, Custer, Tecumseh, Crazy Horse, and more.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will critically examine images depicting the ideal and reality of Manifest Destiny. Through the analysis of diverse texts, students will compare, contrast, and evaluate the Federal and Native American positions.

Essential and guiding questions: 

What is Manifest Destiny? How was this doctrine used to justify war with Native Americans and their removal to reservations?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

Divide students into two groups and allow them to prepare points for a debate on the topic of Native American removal to reservations. Conduct a debate. This can be as formal or informal as you like, and can conclude Day 2 or take up a third day.

Helpful Hints

MATERIALS:

  • PowerPoint
  • Discussion Questions Worksheet (p. 5 below)
  • Primary Source Analysis Tool (student worksheet)
  • Analyzing Photographs & Prints (Teacher’s Guide)