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A History of America

In this 26-part series, prominent historians present America’s story as something that must be presented and debated from a variety of perspectives in order to be truly understood. Their thought-provoking debates and lectures — using first-person narratives, photos, film footage, and documents — will pique students’ interest and encourage them to think critically about the forces that have shaped America.

6. Westward Expansion

0.0Feb 5, 2000 · 26 min

At the dawn of the 19th century, the size of the United States doubles with the Louisiana Purchase. The Appalachians are no longer the barrier to American migration west; the Mississippi River becomes the country's central artery; and Jefferson's vision of an Empire of Liberty begins to take shape. Historian Stephen Ambrose joins Maier and Miller in examining the consequences of the Louisiana Purchase – for the North, the South, and the history of the country.