Discovering Our Past: The American Journey to World War I

Chapter 8: The Northeast: Building Industry

Web Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter students learned more about one of the major themes in American history: westward expansion. American settlers were eager to explore the West, in spite of the difficulties they would encounter. Imagine what it would be like to travel by foot or with animals through deep mud after a rainstorm. Pioneers faced problems like these each day, and it is not hard to see how improvements in transportation technology quickened the pace of expansion efforts. The National Road was one such improvement. This Web site demonstrates how the creation of a roughly paved road, easily passable by horse, wagon or coach, proved so important to life in the United States.

Destination Title: The National Road

Lesson Description
Students will review information on The National Road and learn about how and why it was created. After reading a time line of significant moments in the history of the National Road, students will answer several questions. They will apply their knowledge by composing a brief essay on the importance of the road to America's westward expansion.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will discover the history of the National Road, including why it was built and who maintained it.
2. Students will analyze the National Road's place in United States history and its role in the growth of American commerce and travel.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. The transcontinental railroad began operation in the mid-1800s, drastically reducing the amount of travel by road.
2. Construction of the National Road began in Cumberland, Maryland.
3. Thomas Jefferson authorized construction of the National Road.
4. The Post Office Appropriation Act of 1912 and the Rural Road Act of 1916 made federal funds available for rebuilding the National Road.
5. Answers will vary but should include mention of westward expansion and the importance of connecting the federal government in the east with citizens in the west. It should also touch on who used the road and for what purpose, as well as on how the National Road eventually became part of the national highway system.