What were white peoples attitudes about the American West before the 1850’s

Lesson Objectives To identify the key motivation for white settlers moving west from 1840 onwards. To be able to explain the term Manifest Destiny and it’s impact on the settlement of the west. To give examples of and explain the different ways in which propaganda was use to encourage people in the east to fulfil Manifest Destiny

Source A Whilst traveling around this part of the country, I do not hesitate in giving the opinion, that it is almost wholly unfit for cultivation, and of course uninhabitable by a people who rely upon agriculture for their lives. The lack of wood and water will prove an impossible obstacle in the way of settling in the West. A description of the Great Plains by Major Stephen Long,

Catherine Sagar describes her journey west as an 8 year old. “The hem of my dress caught on an axle- handle, precipitating me under the wheels, both of which passed over me, badly crushing the left leg before Father could stop the oxen.”

A description of what was found by a rescue party who tried to save the ill fated Donner party “A horrible scene presented itself. Human bodies terribly mutilated, legs, arms and skulls scattered in every direction. At the mouth of the tent stood a large kettle, filled with human flesh cut up. It was George Donner. His head had been split open and the brains extracted.”

Railroad Missouri River Telegraph wire Rockies Covered wagon Farmers Stage coach Goldminers? Native Americans Buffalo Spirit of adventure? Learning

What was Manifest Destiny? “…the fulfilment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.” John L. O’Sullivan, editor of the Democratic Revue, July 1845

What on earth does that mean? Americans believed that God wanted them to spread across and populate the whole of America. God had given them the land in America and it was theirs to do whatever they wanted with it. They also saw it as their ‘duty’ to spread over the whole continent.

Railroad Missouri River Telegraph wire Rockies Covered wagon Farmers Stage coach Goldminers? Native Americans Buffalo Spirit of adventure? Learning

SOURCE C …the fulfilment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions. “John L. O’Sullivan, editor of the Democratic Revue, July 1845

How persuasive was the idea of Manifest Destiny as a Push factor?