Causes Of Westward Expansion Flashcards
the Louisiana purchase 1803
- the 800 square miles of land nearly doubled size of America
- provided space for settlement and exploration
- removed the geographical barriers that had previously limited westward movement
- fertile soil for farming, forests, and minerals. These economic opportunities attracted settlers, farmers, and entrepreneurs eager to exploit these resources.
-The Mississippi River, which was now under American control, became a critical transport system for trade and transportation, further making the economic appeal of the western territories.
Lewis and Clarke expedition 1804-06
-The expedition provided extensive maps and valuable scientific information about the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. This knowledge made the region more accessible and understandable, encouraging settlement and exploration. The detailed maps helped future settlers navigate the challenging terrain.
-The reports from the expedition highlighted the vast resources available in the western territories, including fertile lands for farming, abundant wildlife for fur trading, and potential for mining.
immigration into east 1840-50
-The influx of immigrants, particularly from Ireland and Germany, led to population growth in the eastern states. This increase in population resulted in overcrowding in cities and heightened competition for jobs and resources, prompting many people to seek new opportunities in the western territories where land was abundant and affordable.
gold rush 1848 - 1850s
-The discovery of gold in California in 1848 triggered a massive influx of people from all over the United States and abroad, known as the “Forty-Niners.” Thousands of individuals and families traveled westward in search of fortune, dramatically increasing the population of western territories, especially California.
-This economic boom spurred the development of infrastructure, such as roads, railroads, and ports, facilitating further westward migration and settlement.
-The Gold Rush led to the establishment and growth of towns and cities, some of which became major urban centers like San Francisco.
-The demand for efficient transportation to the goldfields led to significant improvements in transportation infrastructure. This included the construction of transcontinental railroads and steamship routes, which made travel to and from the western territories faster and more accessible, promoting continuous westward migration.
The Homestead Act 1862
-By granting land to individuals willing to farm it, the Act promoted agricultural development in the western territories. This not only helped in establishing new farming communities but also in transforming the landscape into productive agricultural areas, supporting the nation’s food supply and economy.
-The Act democratized land ownership by making it accessible to a broader segment of the population, including freed slaves, immigrants, and women. This helped to distribute land more evenly and allowed diverse groups of people to participate in the westward expansion and development of new communities.
-The influx of settlers under the Homestead Act necessitated the development of infrastructure such as roads, schools, and railroads. This infrastructure facilitated further migration and development, creating a cycle of growth and expansion in the western territories.
Morrill Land Grant Act 1862
-The Morrill Land-Grant Act provided states with federal land to sell or develop in order to fund the establishment of colleges focused on agriculture, engineering, and mechanical arts. These new educational institutions trained a generation of farmers, engineers, and industrial workers, who were crucial for the development and settlement of the western territories.
-By establishing agricultural colleges, the Act encouraged research and innovation in farming techniques. This made agriculture more productive and efficient, making it feasible to cultivate land in the western territories, including areas previously considered marginal for farming. Improved agricultural practices attracted more settlers who were confident they could succeed in farming in the West.
-The educational focus of the land-grant colleges on practical and technical skills helped create a skilled labor force that was essential for the development of the western territories. Skilled workers were necessary for building and maintaining the infrastructure, cultivating the land, and supporting the growth of new industries.
fur trade 1810-40
-Fur traders and trappers were among the first Europeans to explore vast regions of North America, including the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and the Pacific Northwest. Their exploration efforts led to the creation of detailed maps and increased geographical knowledge, which later facilitated more extensive and organized westward migration.
-The lucrative nature of the fur trade attracted many individuals and companies to the western territories. The promise of wealth from fur trading, particularly beaver pelts, motivated early settlers to venture into and establish trading posts and settlements in remote areas. These economic activities laid the groundwork for future waves of settlers.
The presence of fur traders and their activities demonstrated the feasibility of living and working in the West. Their experiences and reports attracted more settlers and provided practical information on how to sustain oneself in the new environment. This helped dispel fears and uncertainties about the unknown western territories.
transcontinental railroad 1865-90
-The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 connected the eastern and western parts of the United States, making travel to the western territories faster, cheaper, and safer. This accessibility encouraged large numbers of settlers to move west, as it reduced the journey from months to just a few days.
-The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad was seen as a fulfillment of the Manifest Destiny ideology, the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the continent. The railroad symbolized progress and the nation’s ability to overcome vast distances and natural obstacles, reinforcing the drive for expansion.
-The federal government provided substantial land grants to railroad companies as incentives to build the Transcontinental Railroad. These companies, in turn, sold portions of this land to settlers at affordable prices. This availability of cheap land encouraged many people to move west and establish farms, ranches, and businesses.
longhorn cattle 1866-80
-The longhorn cattle industry provided a lucrative economic opportunity for settlers in the West. After the Civil War, there was a high demand for beef in the eastern United States, and the vast, open plains of Texas and other western territories were ideal for raising large herds of cattle. This economic potential attracted many settlers to the region, seeking to profit from cattle ranching.
- The cattle industry and the demand for efficient transportation of cattle to eastern markets stimulated the expansion of the railroad network into the western territories. Railroads built new lines to connect with cattle trails and major ranching areas, making it easier for settlers to move west and transport goods. This connectivity further encouraged westward migration and development.
-he cattle drives and the arrival of cattle at railheads led to the establishment of “cow towns,” such as Abilene, Dodge City, and Wichita. These towns became centers of commerce and trade, attracting businesses, settlers, and services that supported the cattle industry and broader community needs. The growth of these towns contributed to the overall development of the western territories.
communications 1845-90
-Communication advancements reduced the sense of isolation for settlers in the West. The ability to send and receive news, letters, and updates from the eastern states helped maintain connections with family and friends, providing emotional support and encouraging more people to move west.
-examples are pony express telegrams and railroads
-The Pony Express was a short-lived but iconic mail delivery service that operated between Missouri and California in the late 1850s. It reduced the time it took to deliver mail across the country to just ten days, providing a vital communication link between the East and West during a time when overland travel was slow and hazardous.
-The telegraph revolutionized long-distance communication by transmitting messages electronically over wires. For example, during the California Gold Rush, news of gold discoveries spread rapidly via telegraph, attracting thousands of prospectors to the region and accelerating westward migration.
manifest destiny 1840-50
-Manifest Destiny was a key ideological driver of westward expansion in the United States during the 19th century. The belief in Manifest Destiny, which emerged in the 1840s, asserted that it was the destiny and duty of the United States to expand its territory across the North American continent from coast to coast. This concept influenced government policies, public opinion, and individual actions, contributing to the westward movement in several significant ways:
-Manifest Destiny encouraged a rapid increase in population and settlement in the western territories. The belief that the West was destined to be part of the United States attracted waves of settlers seeking land, opportunity, and adventure, leading to the establishment of new towns, cities, and communities across the frontier.
