Westward expansion

Definition

Westward expansion refers to the 19th-century movement of settlers into the western territories of the United States, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. This movement significantly shaped American identity and culture, influencing various literary forms and themes as writers responded to the changing landscape and societal dynamics of an evolving nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Westward expansion was facilitated by government policies like the Homestead Act, which encouraged settlement by offering land at low costs.
2. The concept of Manifest Destiny fueled not only the migration westward but also conflicts with Native American tribes and other nations over land rights.
3. Literary works from this period often explore themes of adventure, individualism, and the harsh realities of frontier life, reflecting the complexities of American identity.
4. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 significantly accelerated westward movement by making travel faster and more accessible.
5. The impact of westward expansion included cultural exchanges as settlers interacted with Native Americans, leading to both collaboration and conflict.

Review Questions

• How did westward expansion influence American literature during the 19th century?
  • Westward expansion greatly influenced American literature by introducing new themes and settings that reflected the experiences of settlers. Writers captured the challenges and adventures associated with frontier life, exploring ideas of freedom, individualism, and the American Dream. This literature often depicted both the beauty and brutality of the landscape, as well as the moral complexities involved in displacing Native American communities.
• Evaluate how Manifest Destiny justified westward expansion and its consequences on indigenous populations.
  • Manifest Destiny served as a justification for westward expansion by promoting the belief that Americans had a divine right to occupy all lands from coast to coast. This ideology led to significant consequences for indigenous populations, including forced removals, loss of land, and violent conflicts. The idea that expansion was preordained diminished consideration for the rights and cultures of Native Americans, resulting in long-term impacts on their communities.
• Analyze the cultural impacts of westward expansion on American society and how these impacts resonate in contemporary discussions about land use and indigenous rights.
  • The cultural impacts of westward expansion are still felt today, shaping national narratives around land use and ownership. The era fostered a rugged individualism that persists in American culture, while also leading to ongoing struggles over indigenous rights and land claims. Contemporary discussions often revolve around recognizing historical injustices faced by Native peoples and finding ways to address these through policy reforms and cultural acknowledgment.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine that justified American territorial expansion across North America, suggesting it was a divine right and duty.

Homestead Act: A law enacted in 1862 that provided 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, encouraging westward migration.

Frontier: The term used to describe the advancing edge of settlement in the west, often associated with themes of adventure, hardship, and opportunity.