Westward Timeline

In this worksheet, students read five major events in U.S. westward expansion and number them in chronological order. The activity requires understanding of historical sequencing, from the Oregon Trail migrations to the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Students then write a short explanation identifying which event they believe had the greatest impact on westward growth, using evidence from the listed events. This encourages analytical thinking, cause-and-effect reasoning, and written justification based on historical context. The worksheet strengthens comprehension of how the American frontier evolved over time.

Curriculum Matched Skills

Social Studies – Chronological Reasoning

Social Studies – Westward Expansion and U.S. Territorial Growth

English Language Arts – Evidence-Based Explanation

Critical Thinking – Identifying Significant Historical Events

This worksheet is part of our American Frontier and Wild West Worksheets collection.