American expansion

Definition

American expansion refers to the 19th-century ideology and practice of territorial growth in the United States, driven by a belief in Manifest Destiny—the idea that Americans were destined to spread across the continent. This concept influenced political policies, economic developments, and social dynamics as the nation pursued new lands, particularly in the west, resulting in significant changes in demographics, culture, and power structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of Manifest Destiny was widely embraced during the 1840s and played a critical role in American expansion efforts.
2. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 significantly increased U.S. territory, setting a precedent for future expansions.
3. The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) resulted in the U.S. acquiring vast territories, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Utah, and Nevada.
4. American expansion often led to conflicts with Native American tribes, resulting in forced removals and significant cultural disruptions.
5. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 facilitated the movement of people and goods across the country, further promoting westward expansion.

Review Questions

• How did the ideology of Manifest Destiny justify American expansion during the 19th century?
  • Manifest Destiny was used as a rationale for American expansion by promoting the belief that it was both a divine right and a moral duty for Americans to spread their democratic values and civilization across the continent. This ideology encouraged settlers to move westward and justified actions taken against Native American populations and other nations. By framing expansion as a destiny ordained by God, supporters were able to overlook the negative consequences of their actions.
• What were some economic factors that contributed to American expansion in the 19th century?
  • Economic factors played a significant role in American expansion. The Market Revolution created a demand for new markets and resources, prompting settlers to seek land for agriculture, mining, and trade. Additionally, the promise of land ownership through laws like the Homestead Act attracted many immigrants and farmers looking for opportunity. As people moved westward, they contributed to economic growth while also altering existing social and cultural dynamics.
• Evaluate how American expansionism influenced social and cultural developments within the United States during the 19th century.
  • American expansionism led to significant social and cultural changes within the United States by facilitating interactions between diverse groups, including settlers, Native Americans, and immigrants from various backgrounds. As new territories were acquired and settled, cultural exchanges occurred that shaped regional identities. However, this expansion often came at a steep cost to Indigenous peoples, leading to displacement and cultural erasure. The complexities of these interactions created a mosaic of cultural development that reflected both the aspirations of American identity and the consequences of territorial conquest.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

The belief that it was America's divine right and destiny to expand its territory across North America.

Annexation:

The formal act of acquiring territory by a state, often associated with the incorporation of new lands into the United States during the 19th century.

Homestead Act:

A law enacted in 1862 that encouraged westward migration by providing settlers with land at little or no cost.