A Growing Nation Historical Background
Growth at Home 1800—16 states clustered near East Coast 1803—Louisiana Purchase (under T. Jefferson) doubled size of nation Improved transportation helped bind new/old states Election of Andrew Jackson=age of the common man Also time of “Indian removal” & forced migration
On the World Stage War of 1812 – Convinced Europe that we were here to stay Monroe Doctrine of 1823 – Warned Europe not to colonize in the Americas War with Mexico – Texas secession from Mexico leads to gain of CA/NM Gold Rush – Drew 100’s of 1000’s to the new nation
“Go west, young man” Expansion &Economic Growth Improved transportation – Erie Canal completed 1825 – Transcontinental railroad completed 1869 Advances in technology – Factories in Northeast – Steel plow & reaper – Telegraph—nearly instant communication
Winds of Change Child labor/unsafe working conditions Promotion of women’s rights Conflict over slavery sharpened in mid-1800’s