Explain American expansion across North America. Flashcards
What were some of the reasons for American expansion?
American expansion was driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny, the idea that the United States was destined by God to expand across the North American continent, spreading democracy and civilization. Economic opportunities, such as the potential for new land for farming, mining, and trade, attracted settlers to the West, particularly with the growth of industries like cotton farming in the South. Additionally, the desire for security and national pride motivated expansion, as Americans sought to secure territorial boundaries and counter the influence of European powers, such as Britain and Spain, in North America.
How did Americans explain their “right” to expand?
Americans justified their “right” to expand through the concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief that it was their divine mission to spread American values of democracy, freedom, and civilization across the continent. Many believed that the United States was inherently superior to other nations and peoples, including Native Americans and Mexican territories, and thus had the right to take control of land. Additionally, the idea of civilizing the “uncivilized” lands and peoples, as well as the economic opportunities for settlers, reinforced the notion that expansion was both inevitable and beneficial for the nation’s growth.
Whom did Americans encounter as they expanded westward?
As Americans expanded westward, they encountered various Indigenous peoples, including Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, Sioux, and Nez Perce, who had lived on the land for centuries. They also encountered Mexican territories in the Southwest, which led to conflict and the eventual Mexican-American War (1846-1848), resulting in the U.S. gaining large areas of land, including present-day California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Additionally, American settlers pushed into Oregon Territory, where they encountered British settlers, leading to diplomatic negotiations that resulted in the U.S. acquiring Oregon in 1846.
What were some of the major problems that surrounded the issue of expansion?
One major problem surrounding American expansion was the displacement and mistreatment of Native American populations, as policies like the Indian Removal Act forced thousands to relocate, resulting in the deaths of many on the Trail of Tears. Expansion also fueled tensions between slave and free states, as new territories and states raised the question of whether slavery would be allowed, deepening sectional divides and contributing to the Civil War. Additionally, the issue of Mexican sovereignty became a point of conflict, particularly after the annexation of Texas, which led to the Mexican-American War and the eventual acquisition of large territories, raising questions about the future of U.S.-Mexican relations and the status of the territories.
What did the United States do about these issues?
To address the issue of Native American displacement, the United States passed the Indian Removal Act in 1830, forcibly relocating many tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River, culminating in the Trail of Tears. To manage tensions over slavery, the government attempted to find compromises, such as the Missouri Compromise (1820) and the Compromise of 1850, which aimed to balance the interests of free and slave states but ultimately failed to resolve the issue. Regarding the expansion of territory and relations with Mexico, the U.S. engaged in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), which resulted in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the acquisition of vast territories in the West, but also worsened relations with Mexico and further inflamed debates over slavery.
