Acquisition

Definition

Acquisition refers to the process of gaining control or ownership over land or resources, particularly through purchase, treaty, or conquest. In the context of westward expansion, acquisitions played a crucial role in shaping the geographical and political landscape of a nation as settlers and governments sought to extend territories, enhance economic opportunities, and promote the idea of Manifest Destiny.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was one of the largest land acquisitions in U.S. history, allowing for extensive exploration and settlement in the western territories.
2. Acquisitions during this period were often justified by the belief in Manifest Destiny, which asserted that Americans had a divine right to expand across the continent.
3. The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) led to significant territorial gains for the United States through acquisitions, which further fueled tensions over slavery and statehood.
4. The Gadsden Purchase in 1854 was another notable acquisition, where the U.S. bought land from Mexico to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad.
5. Many acquisitions involved treaties or agreements with Native American tribes, often resulting in forced removal and displacement of Indigenous peoples.

Review Questions

• How did the Louisiana Purchase influence American attitudes toward westward expansion?
  • The Louisiana Purchase greatly influenced American attitudes by providing a vast expanse of land for settlement and exploration. This acquisition allowed citizens to envision a future where they could expand their territory and opportunities. It reinforced the belief in Manifest Destiny, leading many Americans to feel entitled to occupy and develop these new lands, significantly shaping national identity.
• Discuss the impact of territorial acquisitions on Native American populations during westward expansion.
  • Territorial acquisitions during westward expansion had devastating effects on Native American populations. As settlers moved into newly acquired lands, Indigenous peoples were often forcibly removed from their ancestral territories through treaties that were frequently broken. This led to loss of land, culture, and life as Native Americans faced violence and displacement, highlighting the often tragic consequences of expansionist policies.
• Evaluate the role of key acquisitions in shaping U.S. foreign policy and domestic issues in the 19th century.
  • Key acquisitions played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy by expanding its borders and increasing its influence on the North American continent. The outcomes of these acquisitions, such as those from the Mexican-American War, intensified debates over slavery's expansion into new territories, contributing to sectional tensions that would lead to the Civil War. Moreover, these territorial gains established a precedent for future U.S. interactions with other nations and Indigenous groups, impacting diplomatic relations and internal governance throughout the century.

Related terms

Louisiana Purchase:

A significant land acquisition made in 1803 when the United States purchased a vast territory from France, effectively doubling the size of the nation.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century belief that American settlers were destined to expand across North America, justifying territorial acquisitions and westward movement.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo:

The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in significant territorial acquisitions for the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.