classroom materials Archives - Info by Matt Cole

The Kansas-Nebraska Act: A Turning Point in American History

MattJanuary 9, 2025015 mins

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 stands as one of the most significant pieces of legislation in American history. This groundbreaking law established two new territories while introducing the concept of popular sovereignty to determine slavery’s status within their borders. The act effectively canceled the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had maintained a careful balance between…

Understanding Native American Cultural Changes During Westward Expansion (1800-1860)

MattJanuary 5, 2025012 mins

Western expansion between 1800 and 1860 brought lasting changes to Native American societies across North America. This transformative period reshaped traditional ways of life through systematic policies and territorial changes. The movement of settlers westward created unprecedented pressures on Native American communities. These changes affected every aspect of tribal life. The impact extended far beyond…