Module 6, Lesson 1: Discussion Choose one of the following 2 arguments and defend it in an original discussion post. You are welcome and encouraged to do some research using other websites. If you share information from another site on image or map that supports your point, make sure you give credit to that site! Argument 1: The expansion of railroads in the United States during and after the Civil War was a side effect of Westward movement and Manifest Destiny. Even if railroads didn't exist, people would have still settled the West in the same way because it is part of the American spirit. Argument 2: Railroads were responsible for most of the Westward expansion of the United States. While some exploration would have happened without the rail, the settlement of individuals and towns would have been just a tiny fraction of what actually happened. Be sure to read the responses of at least three other students. If three other students haven't responded at the time of your post, be sure to come back later in the day and read the additional posts. Once you have posted your original post and then read the responses of at least three other students, post a meaningful response to at least one other student that chose the other argument. A meaningful response doesn't just disagree with the original author. It provides additional evidence to refute the original author's argument. It is important to remember that tone can sometimes be difficult to convey in an online setting, Please be polite and respectful in extending the discussion with a probing question or disagreeing with a classmate.

Module 6, Lesson 1: Discussion Choose one of the following 2 arguments and defend it in an original discussion post. You are welcome and encouraged to do some research using other websites. If you share information from another site on image or map that supports your point, make sure you give credit to that site! Argument 1: The expansion of railroads in the United States during and after the Civil War was a side effect of Westward movement and Manifest Destiny. Even if railroads didn't exist, people would have still settled the West in the same way because it is part of the American spirit. Argument 2: Railroads were responsible for most of the Westward expansion of the United States. While some exploration would have happened without the rail, the settlement of individuals and towns would have been just a tiny fraction of what actually happened. Be sure to read the responses of at least three other students. If three other students haven't responded at the time of your post, be sure to come back later in the day and read the additional posts. Once you have posted your original post and then read the responses of at least three other students, post a meaningful response to at least one other student that chose the other argument. A meaningful response doesn't just disagree with the original author. It provides additional evidence to refute the original author's argument. It is important to remember that tone can sometimes be difficult to convey in an online setting, Please be polite and respectful in extending the discussion with a probing question or disagreeing with a classmate.