Terms for this week:
Manifest Destiny-the belief by many Americans that the United States should one day stretch from the Atlantic ocean to the Pacific ocean.
Gold Rush-a sudden rush of people to where gold has been discovered.
Forty-Niner- people who came to California in the year 1849.
Migration-movement from one country or place to another place in search of better opportunities.
Settlers-people who have immigrated to a new area with the intention of staying there.
Frontier- a region at the edge of a settled area. A transition zone where explorers, pioneers, and settlers were arriving.
Pioneers- people who do things for the first time, like settling a new area.
Transcontinental Railroad- the first continuous railroad across the United States.
Oregon Trail-From 1841-1861, over 3000 people traveled this 2170 mile wagon route from the East to the Oregon territory. The most famous trail to the West.
Compromise of 1850- 5 bills from Congress that tried to settle disputes over slavery in the new territories. California was admitted as a free state, and Utah and New Mexico were allowed to decide for themselves.
Fugitive Slave Act of 1850- law that compelled all citizens to assist in the capture of runaway slaves, even in the North, and provided for harsh penalties for people helping slaves run away.