Westward Expansion
The tremendous expansion during the 1st half of the 1800’s left a lasting imprint
on the U.S. It transformed the shape of the nation and the national character. Thousand
of pioneers moved west, adding their struggles and triumphs to the American story. At the
same time, the Native Americans and Spanish speaking peoples of the West became part
of the U.S. They made their own contributions to the American character.
Causes
-Americans accept “Manifest Destiny”
-As the East becomes crowded, Americans
want more land.
-The West contains furs, lumber, +
precious metals.
Effects
-Native Americans are forced off
lands.
-The U.S. wars with Mexico.
-American extends from sea to sea.
Westward Expansion (post Louisiana Purchase 1803).
1. Territories added between (1845 – 1853)
a. Texas annexed in 1845 by an Act of Congress
b. Oregon is added by treaty with Britain in 1846
c. California and So. West is ceded by Mexico in 1848
d. Arizona + New Mexico is purchased in 1853
2. Who does the Western frontier attract?
a. Pioneers – for the love of exploring in the shrinking frontier
b. Fur traders – beaver pelts for hats which are very fashionable
c. Gold Miners – California Gold Rush
d. Farmers – The Great Prairie “Wheat is King”.
e. Speculators – Govt sells land for $2 an acre and also on credit.
1803
1804
1817
1819
1825
Cause
1. Purchase of the Louisiana Terr.
2. The Expedition of Lewis/Clark
3. Rush-Bagot Treaty (Brit).
4. Adams-Onis Treaty (Spain)
5. The Eire Canal is completed
1846 6. Oregon Treaty(Britain)
1848 7. Gold discovered in California
1848 8. Mexican-American War
/Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
1853 9. Gadsen Purchase (Mexico)
Effect
1. doubled the size of the US
2.Settlers lured to Oregon Territory
3. US/Canadian border est. 49’parallel
4. US claims Oregon country + east Fla.
5. Industrialization of the old Northwest
region (Ohio+)
6. US claims the Pacific Northwest south of
the 49’ parallel
7. one of the greatest mass movements.
California quickly qualifies for statehood.
8. US gets California + other western
Mexican territories
9. US purchases Arizona and New Mexico
***1890 A US govt report indicates that the frontier was no longer recognizable.