Manifest Destiny and the Movement West

Population GrowthThe Population of the United States grew from 5 Million to 30 Million people between 1800-1860

Between 1800-1830 the population grew steadily by about 2 million people every ten years

And by 3-5 million between 1830-1850

Then, assisted by the potato famine of Ireland in 1846-1856, the population grew 8 million people in between 1850-1860

What problems do you think this growth caused? What solutions were there at the time?

"If a young man is about to commence in the world ... we say to him publicly and privately, go to the West. There, your capacities are sure to be appreciated and your industry and energy rewarded."

-Horace Greeley, editor of the New York Tribune, 1850(s)(It is) ..our manifest destiny to over spread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty"

John O'Sullivan, Democratic leader and editor of the 'The Morning Post', 1845

The Move West beginsThe Area of the 13 original colonies was becoming crowded, and besides work in a factory not many opportunities could be found for Immigrants or citizens reaching independent adulthood.

America; through the Louisiana purchase, the annexation of Texas, Various treaties, and the American-Mexican War had expanded across what is now the Continental United States by 1853. (As shown in Slide 4)The problem was, there was barely anyone populating the mid-west plains, Rocky Mountains, and California Region. Over half of America was populated by non-American citizens. (Native-Americans and Ex-Mexican populations)

Then in 1848, Gold Was discovered in Sutter Mill, California. At total of 300,000 people moved to California by either land or sea between 1848-1855.

Support of Manifest Destiny from all fronts

Once the term was officially coined, Manifest Destiny became an American duty.

Religious leaders claimed it was God’s will that the American people populate and civilize the Great American West

The American government had a high interest in populating the West. Selling land for profit.

Political Parties wanted more states and more representatives in congress

Slavery advocates wanted more states to balance out free statesMore representatives in the house meant more sway to one side or the otherEntrepreneurs saw opportunity. Store owners could start businesses in newly created towns. The Railroad industry had demand (from people moving west) and supply (with government grants and land). The Railroad acted as a vein for people to flow through into the west.

The Free Homestead ActUnder this law any man or woman twenty-one years old or the head of a family could have 160 acres of undeveloped land by living on it five years and paying eighteen dollars in fees. the homesteader could purchase the land for $1.25 per acre after having lived on the land for six months.

OR

What impact do you think this act would have on the American people?

Indian RemovalDepending on the president Indian Removal went from passive to cruel.

American Indian Wars•Most Tribes would sign treaties and leave lands with little reluctance.•Others would fight for their lands, •Famous tribes included Apache, Sioux, Crow, Ute, and Comanche•These Wars varied from 1811 to 1911•Weren’t always active, most scattered skirmishes from year to year.

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1. Do you think Americans where right about their claims to the West? Be sure to include; Your own definition of Manifest Destiny, What its impact was, and the Pros and Cons of Americas western expansion.

2. If you lived in the 19th century, would you travel west? Include the process by which people could claim land, U.S policy on settling the West, and the Pros and Cons of Western life.

Discussion/Homework Questions