Grade 8 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 8, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
A More Perfect Union

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 8, Lesson 2: Achieving Manifest Destiny (pp. 230-235)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Conflict By annexing Texas and winning a war with Mexico, the United States achieved its goal of Manifest Destiny.

Review the sequence of Texas' settlement and independence. Be sure students understand what the first U.S. settlers promised Spain (and later, Mexico), how later settlers challenged this agreement, and the impact that had on Texan-Mexican relations.

Outline the steps that led to war with Mexico. Encourage students to understand Mexico's point of view (the land was part of Mexico) and that all Americans were not in favor of the war.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Divide students into four groups, with groups taking on the roles of Stephen Austin and the people who settled with him, the Mexican government, new settlers to Texas, and the United States government. Tell students that the year is 1835. Have each group determine and present what they think should happen to Texas.
Have students use an outline map of the current United States to illustrate the lands the U.S. gained by annexing Texas and winning the Mexican War.

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