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Start of Westward Expansion
Daniel Boone explored Kentucky, and crossed the Appalachians through the Cumberland Gap. In 1775, he settled Boonesborough, Kentucky. -
Louisiana Purchase
The United States bought the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon Bonaparte for $15 million dollars. -
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was a law that allowed Southern Native American tribes to be moved out of their homelands to the other side of the Mississippi River. The law allowed early Americans to settle the land that once belonged to the Natives. -
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Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears was the route the Native Americans took when they were removed from their homelands due to the Indian Removal Act. -
Oregon Trail
Early Americans began traveling West on what was called the Oregon Trail, which was about 2,000 miles long. -
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California Gold Rush
James Marshall found gold on the American RIver in California. After hearing the news, many people decided to travel west in search of their fortunes. In total, around 300,000 people moved. -
End of Westward Expansion
By 1850, not as many people were moving West anymore, thus the end of Westward expansion.