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Westward Strategy: Native Americans

Related Article: Learn more about Lewis and Clark.

Jefferson had Lewis and Clark inform the native peoples they met on their expedition that the title to the land—that is the ownership to the land—was now in the hands of the United States.

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From Sea to Shining Sea: Native Americans (1:42)

Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the country. They built villages along waterways because it was easier to travel along them than across the land.

From Sea to Shining Sea: The Anasazi Indians (1:02)

There have been cities and towns in the South Central region for many centuries.

From Sea to Shining Sea: Indian Removal (0:41)

The forced removal of Indians east of the Mississippi to the Oklahoma Territory became known as the Trail of Tears.

Westward Strategy: Native Americans (1:05)

Jefferson had Lewis and Clark inform the native peoples they met on their expedition that the title to the land—that is the ownership to the land—was now in the hands of the United States.

Westward Strategy: Conflict with the Sioux (0:49)

The party moved up the Missouri River, but was stopped by the Teton Sioux from going further. The Sioux let the expedition go onward after receiving a gift of tobacco.

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Native America: Video Quiz on Expansion Sections (1:55)

A true/false quiz on the videos about Native American expansion is given in this clip.

Native America: The Transcontinental Railroad (1:29)

Once the Transcontinental Railroad connected Chicago to San Francisco, Americans settled the Great Plains. Native Americans taught them about food and medicine, and in return, they were forced to move.

Native America: The Oregon Trail (1:47)

The British traded with natives but did not settle in the Oregon Territory. Americans followed the Oregon Trail to settle in the West; many died along the way.

Native America: The Indian Problem (1:07)

The Indian Problem was the question of whether to move or exterminate Native Americans. The Removal Act of 1830 forced all Native Americans west of the Mississippi.

Native America: Manifest Destiny (2:02)

Native Americans lost land every time America expanded. The concept that it was America's destiny to conquer land was called Manifest Destiny.

Native America: The War of 1812 (1:13)

The American War Hawks wanted Britain's land in North America. Many Native Americans fought for the British in the War of 1812, but they did not achieve their goal of a buffer territory.

Native America: Lewis and Clark's Discoveries (1:02)

While searching for a connection between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean, Lewis and Clark discovered plants, wildlife and people.

Native America: The Louisiana Purchase (1:17)

Thomas Jefferson expanded the new U.S. when he bought land from France in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. His curiosity sparked the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Native America: America in 1750 (1:22)

In 1750, Europeans from France, Spain and Britain claimed parts of North America for beaver pelts and land.

Native America: Video Quiz on Cultural Issues (1:31)

A true/false quiz on previous videos about Native American and European cultures is presented in this clip.