What were the white’s attitudes towards the American West before 1850? "I do not hesitate in giving the opinion that it is almost wholly unfit for cultivation, and of course uninhabitable."

How Important was Manifest Destiny in persuading people to go West? 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

A description of the Great Plains by Major Stephen Long, 1819-20 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, 1819-20

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.”

What is 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

They also saw it as their ‘duty’ to spread over the whole continent. … 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.

Why are the following images presenting the American West In this way?

What is the purpose of this image? What can you see? What do you know about the Plains? Does this image match with your knowledge?

MD1 Rockies Spirit of adventure? Learning Missouri River Buffalo Railroad Buffalo Covered wagon Telegraph wire Farmers Goldminers? Stage coach Native Americans MD1

“John L. O’Sullivan, editor of the Democratic Revue, July 1845 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 MD2

MD3

MD4

MD5

How persuasive was the idea of Manifest Destiny as a push factor? Can you describe 5 ways that M.D persuaded people to go West?