Importance of Federal Gov Opening Up West

Question 1

Louisiana purchase 1803

Answer 1

• 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.

Question 2

Gadsden Purchase 1853

Answer 2

-The primary motivation behind the Gadsden Purchase was to acquire land for the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad route. This route was intended to connect the eastern states with the newly acquired territories in California following the conclusion of the Mexican-American War. The federal government recognized the strategic importance of a southern railroad route for economic development, military transportation, and facilitating westward expansion.
- The Gadsden Purchase provided the United States with access to vital Pacific ports, particularly in present-day Southern California. This access was crucial for expanding trade and commerce with Asia and Latin America, as well as for projecting American influence in the Pacific region.

Question 3

Oregon treaty 1846

Answer 3

• The treaty’s provisions effectively extended the nation’s territorial reach to the Pacific Ocean, significantly expanding the United States’ landmass. This expansion provided the federal government with greater opportunities for economic development, resource acquisition, and strategic positioning in the western territories.
  -The settlement of the Oregon Territory encouraged westward migration and facilitated the establishment of new communities and settlements in the region. The federal government recognized the importance of promoting settlement in the West to assert its control over the territory, strengthen national unity, and advance economic development.

Question 4

Lewis and Clarke 1804-06

Answer 4

-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.

Question 5

Texas 1836-45

Answer 5

-The annexation of Texas aligned with the broader ideology of Manifest Destiny, which emphasized the belief in the nation’s destiny to expand across the North American continent. Manifest Destiny provided a moral and ideological justification for westward expansion, guiding government policies and actions in pursuit of territorial growth.
-The annexation of Texas extended the territorial reach of the United States westward, adding a vast expanse of land to the nation’s territory. This expansion provided the federal government with greater opportunities for economic development, resource acquisition, and strategic positioning in the western territories.

Question 6

War with Mexico

Answer 6

-The war with Mexico and the subsequent territorial gains aligned with the broader ideology of Manifest Destiny, which emphasized the belief in the nation’s destiny to expand across the North American continent. Manifest Destiny provided a moral and ideological justification for westward expansion, guiding government policies and actions in pursuit of territorial growth.
-By expanding its territorial reach, the federal government sought to assert American sovereignty, safeguard national interests, and prevent potential conflicts with European powers over territorial claims.
-By expanding its territorial reach, the federal government sought to assert American sovereignty, safeguard national interests, and prevent potential conflicts with European powers over territorial claims.