American acquisition

Definition

American acquisition refers to the process through which the United States expanded its territory and influence, particularly during the 19th century. This often involved purchasing land, annexation, or military conquest, contributing to the nation's growth and shaping its future policies. The concept is closely tied to ideas of Manifest Destiny, which justified territorial expansion across North America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was one of the largest territorial acquisitions in U.S. history, significantly expanding the nation's land and resources.
2. The concept of Manifest Destiny fueled public support for American acquisition, leading to conflicts such as the Mexican-American War.
3. The Gadsden Purchase in 1854 further expanded U.S. territory by acquiring parts of present-day Arizona and New Mexico from Mexico.
4. American acquisition often led to the displacement of Native American tribes, resulting in significant cultural and population changes.
5. The annexation of Texas in 1845 was controversial and contributed to rising tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions within the U.S.

Review Questions

• How did Manifest Destiny influence American acquisition during the 19th century?
  • Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and policy regarding American acquisition. This belief that it was America's divine right to expand westward justified various territorial gains, including the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon Territory. As people embraced this ideology, it led to increased support for military actions and treaties that expanded U.S. borders, which ultimately transformed the nation both physically and culturally.
• Evaluate the impact of the Louisiana Purchase on the development of the United States.
  • The Louisiana Purchase had a profound impact on the United States by doubling its size and opening vast tracts of land for settlement and agriculture. This acquisition facilitated westward expansion and provided resources critical for economic growth. Additionally, it established a precedent for future territorial acquisitions and encouraged exploration, most notably leading to expeditions like Lewis and Clark's, which further mapped and claimed these new territories for America.
• Analyze how American acquisition policies shaped relationships with Native American tribes during this period.
  • American acquisition policies significantly altered relationships with Native American tribes as expansion often resulted in displacement and loss of land for Indigenous peoples. Treaties were frequently made and broken, leading to conflicts such as those seen during the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Native Americans were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. This complex dynamic reflects broader themes of power, sovereignty, and resistance as tribes navigated an ever-changing political landscape influenced by American expansionism.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

A 19th-century belief that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America.

Louisiana Purchase:

A significant land acquisition in 1803 where the U.S. purchased a vast territory from France, doubling the size of the nation.

Annexation:

The formal act of acquiring territory by a state, often seen in the context of U.S. expansion through actions like the annexation of Texas.