Westward Movement

Definition

The Westward Movement refers to the period during the 19th century when American settlers expanded their territory westward across North America, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny and the search for new opportunities. This movement played a crucial role in shaping the nation's geography, culture, and economy, as well as leading to significant conflicts with Native Americans and other nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Westward Movement was fueled by the idea of Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to expand across the continent.
2. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to a massive influx of settlers and prospectors, accelerating westward expansion.
3. As settlers moved west, they established new communities, leading to the creation of states and territories, reshaping the political landscape.
4. The westward expansion often resulted in violent conflicts with Native American tribes, as settlers encroached on their lands.
5. Transportation advancements, such as railroads and canals, played a significant role in facilitating westward migration and economic growth.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of Manifest Destiny influence the Westward Movement?
  • Manifest Destiny was a driving force behind the Westward Movement, as it instilled a belief among Americans that it was their divine right to expand across North America. This ideology justified territorial expansion and often disregarded the rights of Native Americans and other nations. The desire to spread democracy and civilization further fueled this movement, leading to significant cultural and political changes in the United States.
• Discuss the impact of transportation advancements on the Westward Movement during the 19th century.
  • Transportation advancements like railroads and canals greatly facilitated the Westward Movement by making travel faster, safer, and more efficient. Railroads connected eastern cities to western territories, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people. This development not only encouraged more settlers to move west but also promoted trade and economic growth in newly established communities, solidifying America's expansionist ambitions.
• Evaluate the consequences of the Westward Movement on Native American populations and U.S. foreign relations during the 19th century.
  • The Westward Movement had devastating consequences for Native American populations, including loss of land, culture, and lives due to violent conflicts and forced removals. Treaties were often made and broken, leading to further displacement of tribes. In terms of U.S. foreign relations, this expansion created tensions with neighboring nations such as Mexico, resulting in conflicts like the Mexican-American War. The relentless push west also set a precedent for future U.S. interventions in other regions as the nation sought to assert its influence and control.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Oregon Trail:

A historic east-to-west route used by thousands of American pioneers traveling to the Oregon Territory in the 1840s and 1850s.

Homestead Act:

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