Westward Expansion

Definition

Westward expansion refers to the period in American history during the 19th century when settlers moved westward across North America, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny. This movement significantly transformed the social, economic, and cultural landscape of the United States, as it involved the colonization of new territories and the cultivation of crops, notably tobacco, which had far-reaching impacts on society and the economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Westward expansion was fueled by a desire for land and resources, leading to the acquisition of territories such as Louisiana and Oregon through treaties and conflicts.
2. The demand for tobacco spurred the establishment of plantations in newly acquired lands, creating a significant labor force that included enslaved Africans.
3. Railroads played a crucial role in facilitating westward expansion, making transportation of goods and people more efficient and opening up markets for agricultural products.
4. The movement often led to the displacement and suffering of Indigenous peoples, as settlers encroached on their lands and disrupted their way of life.
5. Economic opportunities in new territories contributed to population growth in the West, influencing social structures and community development in those regions.

Review Questions

• How did westward expansion influence the cultivation of tobacco and its impact on society during this period?
  • Westward expansion directly influenced tobacco cultivation as settlers moved into new territories where they established plantations. The growth of tobacco as a cash crop not only fueled economic growth but also required a significant labor force, leading to an increase in the use of enslaved Africans. This shift had profound societal impacts, as it entrenched racial divisions and created a reliance on slave labor that would shape American society for decades.
• In what ways did Manifest Destiny justify the actions taken during westward expansion, particularly regarding agricultural development like tobacco farming?
  • Manifest Destiny provided a moral and ideological justification for westward expansion by promoting the belief that Americans were destined to spread their civilization across the continent. This ideology not only encouraged settlers to establish farms and plantations but also led to the prioritization of cash crops like tobacco. The push for agricultural development was seen as a way to fulfill this destiny while simultaneously disregarding the rights of Indigenous peoples who inhabited these lands.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of westward expansion on American society, especially concerning economic systems like the tobacco economy and social structures.
  • The long-term effects of westward expansion on American society were significant, reshaping both economic systems and social structures. The establishment of a tobacco economy in new territories not only contributed to regional wealth but also perpetuated systems of slavery that would have lasting implications on race relations in America. Furthermore, as communities formed around these agricultural hubs, they created distinct social hierarchies based on wealth derived from cash crops. This development ultimately contributed to conflicts over slavery that would culminate in the Civil War, highlighting how westward expansion set the stage for major societal shifts in the United States.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine that it was the divine right of the United States to expand its territory across North America.

Homestead Act: A law passed in 1862 that encouraged western migration by providing settlers with land at little or no cost, promoting agricultural development.

Tobacco Economy: The economic system centered around tobacco cultivation, which became a key cash crop in the southern colonies and greatly influenced trade and labor practices.