Westward expansion

Definition

Westward expansion refers to the period during the 19th century when American settlers moved westward across North America, seeking new opportunities and land. This movement was driven by a combination of factors, including the belief in Manifest Destiny, economic opportunities, and the desire for land. The expansion had significant social, economic, and political consequences, particularly in relation to the annexation of Texas by the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Westward expansion accelerated after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States and opened up vast territories for settlement.
2. The annexation of Texas in 1845 was a significant event in westward expansion, as it added a large area of land that further fueled American settlement and conflict with Mexico.
3. The Gold Rush of 1849 drew thousands of prospectors and settlers to California, significantly impacting migration patterns and economic development in the West.
4. Native American tribes faced displacement and conflicts due to westward expansion, leading to significant cultural and social upheaval as settlers encroached on their lands.
5. The ideology of Manifest Destiny justified the expansion as a mission to spread democracy and civilization, often overlooking the rights of indigenous peoples.

Review Questions

• How did the ideology of Manifest Destiny influence westward expansion and impact relations with Native American tribes?
  • Manifest Destiny significantly influenced westward expansion by promoting the belief that it was America's destiny to spread its territory and values across the continent. This ideology fueled settler aggression toward Native American tribes, leading to forced removals and violent conflicts as settlers encroached upon their lands. The justification of expansion as a divine right often disregarded the sovereignty and rights of indigenous peoples, resulting in long-lasting consequences for Native American communities.
• Discuss the implications of the annexation of Texas on both American society and its relationship with Mexico during westward expansion.
  • The annexation of Texas had profound implications for American society by increasing tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions within the United States, as Texas entered as a slave state. It also escalated tensions with Mexico, ultimately leading to the Mexican-American War. This conflict resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S. but also contributed to a legacy of resentment between the two nations, reshaping their diplomatic relations for years to come.
• Evaluate how westward expansion reshaped the economic landscape of America in the 19th century and its role in setting up future conflicts.
  • Westward expansion dramatically reshaped America's economic landscape by opening up new markets for agriculture, mining, and trade. The influx of settlers and resources fueled industrial growth in the East while establishing new towns and infrastructures in the West. However, this economic growth came at a cost; it intensified conflicts over land ownership, particularly between settlers and Native Americans as well as between pro- and anti-slavery factions regarding new territories. These tensions would later culminate in greater national divisions leading up to the Civil War.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that it was the divine right and duty of the United States to expand its territory across North America.

Homestead Act:

A law passed in 1862 that encouraged westward migration by providing settlers with 160 acres of public land in exchange for a small fee and the requirement to improve the land.

Oregon Trail: A major route that settlers used to travel westward to Oregon Territory, providing a pathway for thousands of pioneers seeking new opportunities.