1. Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion, 1820-1850

2. A philosophy or a goal?
“The fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.”
From John L. O'Sullivan editor of United States Magazine and Democratic Review in 1845

3. 3 major areas of expansion
1. Oregon Territory

4. The Oregon Trail
Approximately 2000 miles long from Missouri to Oregon
Took about six months to travel
Window to leave Missouri was only a few weeks long—leave too early in Spring and the rivers are still flooded from snow and leave too late and get stuck in snow in mountains.

6. Approximately 300,000 people traveled the trail west
About 30, 000 people died en route west
Major causes of death: cholera, accidents and other diseases.
Conflict with Native Americans was rare.

7. Why move west? Cheap land Oregon climate similar to that of the East.
Independence
Isolation
Adventure