Westward Expansion - (American Heritage, American Voices) by David C King (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Explore the American West with the people who settled it!

In 1805, when William Clark first spotted the Pacific Ocean-highlighting the famous Lewis and Clark expedition across the continent-it marked the beginning of a massive westward movement that lasted through the century. Westward Expansion provides a rare glimpse into the day-to-day experiences of pioneering Americans as they followed Lewis and Clark's lead, risking their lives to explore, farm, seek their fortunes, and establish communities in what had been considered a vast wilderness. Through rich primary sources, you'll find yourself living and working alongside the brave men and women who came to typify the American West, including pioneers from the eastern states, from Europe, and from Asia; Native Americans defending their homeland; freed slaves searching to carve their own destinies out of America's wilderness; prospectors searching for gold and silver; and many other colorful characters.

From Daniel Boone's account of first exploring Old Kentucky to Chief Joseph's explanation of why he would no longer fight against the U. S. Army, Westward Expansion presents a wealth of period documents, including diaries, letters, articles, advertisements, speeches, and more, from both famous figures and ordinary citizens. Find out how all of these American voices working together helped make this country what it is today.

From the Back Cover

In 1805, when William Clark first spotted the Pacific Ocean-highlighting the famous Lewis and Clark expedition across the continent-it marked the beginning of a massive westward movement that lasted through the century. Westward Expansion provides a rare glimpse into the day-to-day experiences of pioneering Americans as they followed Lewis and Clark's lead, risking their lives to explore, farm, seek their fortunes, and establish communities in what had been considered a vast wilderness. Through rich primary sources, you'll find yourself living and working alongside the brave men and women who came to typify the American West, including pioneers from the eastern states, from Europe, and from Asia; Native Americans defending their homeland; freed slaves searching to carve their own destinies out of America's wilderness; prospectors searching for gold and silver; and many other colorful characters.

From Daniel Boone's account of first exploring Old Kentucky to Chief Joseph's explanation of why he would no longer fight against the U. S. Army, Westward Expansion presents a wealth of period documents, including diaries, letters, articles, advertisements, speeches, and more, from both famous figures and ordinary citizens. Find out how all of these American voices working together helped make this country what it is today.

About the Author

AMERICAN HERITAGE is well known for its magazine on American history, as well as its many highly acclaimed books, including the American Heritage Illustrated History of the United States and the American Heritage Illustrated History of the Presidents.

DAVID C. KING is a former history teacher and an award-winning author who has written more than thirty books for children and young adults, including the other books in this series as well as the American Kids in History series.