Reader's Guide

Westward Expansion: Almanac presents a comprehensive overview of the frontier period in American history, covering the years between 1763 and 1890 when the United States expanded from the original thirteen British colonies to a nation of forty-eight states stretching across the North American continent. The volume covers all the major wars (the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the many battles between whites and Indians); the land purchases (including the Louisiana Purchase); the important trails linking wilderness to civilization; life on the frontier; how Native Americans were affected by westward expansion; and technological advances that made expansion easier.

Format

Westward Expansion: Almanac is divided into twelve subject chapters, each focusing on a particular topic, such as the diplomatic negotiations and military conquests that made western lands available, the gold rush that launched the settlement of the Far West, the Wild West, and religion in the West. The chapters contain sidebars that highlight people and events of special interest, and each chapter offers a list of additional sources students can go to for more information as well as a list of any other sources used in writing the chapter. More than sixty-five black-and-white photographs and maps help illustrate the material covered in the text. The volume begins with a timeline of important events in the history of westward expansion; a "Words to Know" section that introduces students to difficult or unfamiliar terms (terms are also defined within the text); and a "Research and Activity Ideas" section. The volume concludes with a general bibliography and a subject index so students can easily find the people, places, and events discussed throughout Westward Expansion: Almanac.

Dedication

To our children, Conrad and Louisa, who have journeyed with us on our own westward trek.

Special Thanks

Special thanks are due to Lynne E. Heckman, teacher of American history at Valley View Middle School in Snohomish, Washington, for helping us understand the needs and interests of middle school students and teachers, and to the many historians and writers whose work on the West we filtered through our minds as we prepared this collection.

Comments and Suggestions

We welcome your comments on Westward Expansion: Almanac and suggestions for other topics to consider. Please write: Editors, Westward Expansion: Almanac, U•X•L, 27500 Drake Rd., Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331-3535; call toll-free: 1-800-877-4253; fax to (248) 414-5043; or send e-mail via http://www.galegroup.com.