Westward Expansion

Do Now Take a close look at the picture. Write down everything you notice, even the tiny details. Then determine what you think this painting was trying to symbolize.

Problem of Expansion Population in eastern part of the United States is growing Need for more land and resources United States attempts multiple solutions

Manifest Destiny United States turns to expand west as a solution Idea of Manifest Destiny – it was the US’s God given right to expand west into Mexican and Native American land Manifest Destiny will be used as a justification for all westward expansion United States encounters multiple problems as it seeks to expand territory

Louisiana Purchase France owned territory west of early US & hoped to build an American empire Threatened US empire and peace France offered that territory to the US - they had too many problems with colonies overseas US did not buy land immediately – Jefferson feared purchase of such a large territory was unconstitutional Had to consider a constitutional amendment that allowed the president the power to make such a purchase US eventually purchased the territory in 1803, expanding US to western land

Mexican American War Texas land was a part of Mexico Americans settled Texas land alongside Mexicans Differences created tension language – American’s didn’t speak Spanish American’s from the South brought their slaves to Texas American’s in Texas negotiated with the US to make Texas land a part of the US President Polk wanted Texas –felt it was an opportunity to expand the US as it would bring in new territory – California and New Mexico

Mexican American War cont. Mexico becomes angry with negotiations over Texas Mexico ceased diplomatic relations with the U.S. Polk still tried to negotiate a boundary with Mexico Mexico refused Polk sent troops into Mexico – war broke out for a year Mexico and US sign Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – a border between US and Mexico was created US got New Mexico, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming US empire grew

Removal of Natives Expanding west meant Expanding into Native American Territory Congress passed the Indian Removal Act – forced Native Americans to move further west so US can settle the land Some Natives resist – Cherokee Nation took it to Supreme Court Supreme court ruled in favor of the Cherokee saying the federal gov’t couldn’t invade Cherokee lands President Jackson refused to listen Trail of Tears - US troops rounded up the Cherokee people and took them on a 800 mile march west on foot

Removal of Natives Cont. Indian Schools – schools for American Indians Reservation System – American Indians live in clearly defined zones gov’t promised food, goods, money, protection Dawes Act- gov’t divides tribal land & hands out to individual American Indians who gained citizenship Native Americans only 2% of population today Native American poverty rate is 22%

Homestead Act Government program that gave land (for free) to people willing to settle west Idea was to get people to move, therefore expanding the nation Need for transportation = Railroad development Access to resources Allows for growth of towns and cities