The Westward Expansion of the United States

The westward expansion of the United States

The westward expansion of the United States began in the early 19th century with the Louisiana Purchase. Soon after, the Corps of Discovery Expedition was launched, a precursor to the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. The US also expanded its trade with other nations, making it involved in international politics. Throughout the 19th century, the Westward Expansion led to major political and economic changes, culminating in the United States' involvement in World War One.

Impact on Native Americans

The westward expansion of the United States had a sweeping impact on Native Americans. Although the expansion implied the occupation of their lands, the United States continued to recognize the limited land rights of indigenous peoples. During the 19th century, the United States sought to expand its territory westward by signing treaties with Native Americans. However, many of these treaties were signed without tribal authority or consent, and the United States often used force to push Indians from their homelands.

Exploration and Neutrality

The expansion of the United States commenced in the early nineteenth century, with the Louisiana Purchase doubling the country's size and opening up an area that was relatively unknown to Europeans. Exploration began, and explorers returned with stories of fertile land and beauty. At the same time, the United States struggled to maintain its neutrality in the face of foreign threats from Britain and France. After the War of 1812, this issue was settled and the country began to focus on the westward expansion of the country.

Reasons for Westward Expansion

Exploration began, and explorers returned with stories of fertile land and beauty. At the same time, the United States struggled to maintain its neutrality in the face of foreign threats from Britain and France. The United States continued to expand westward, gaining the Oregon Territory and the Southwest after a war with Mexico. Many pioneers left their homelands for different reasons. Some wanted to find free land for farming or ranching. Others moved west to escape persecution. In the 19th century, the population of the United States increased from 5.2 million in 1800 to 76.2 million in 1900.

Comparing Settlers and Native Americans

Students can explore the reasons for the westward expansion of the United States. Then they can compare the experiences of the settlers in the Western United States with those of the Native Americans who lived in the West. You can use the documents to introduce your unit on the westward expansion, and use the activities as review activities at the end.

Migration and Andrew Jackson

The American westward expansion took several decades. The earliest settlers came from the eastern coast. However, their migration westward didn't extend much beyond the Appalachian Mountains. By 1775, there were 2.5 million colonists in the United States, and they were all pursuing their dreams of farming and hunting new land.

In 1828, Andrew Jackson became president and promised to expand the United States westward. He argued that expanding westward was morally right and would spread the American institutions to the rest of the world. The decision to expand westward was a response to the perceived tyranny of the European monarchies.