Westward Expansion and Population Growth

1790-1860

Main ideas

In the early 1800’s, the US was expanding. It was physically growing westward. The population was increasing. Cities were growing. Immigration was on the rise.

The Westward Movement

Andrew Jackson’s rise: example of western influence

Before 1850, 50% of Americans were under 30

The demographic center (term A) moved past the Ohio River by 1860

Frontier Life (SG Question #1)

Frontier life was rugged and grim. All necessities were scarce (food, clothes,

shelter) Disease, depression (from loneliness) and

premature death were common

Primary SourceFrom: The Effect of Climate on the Health of Americans, Thomas Cather, 1836

The appearance of the people, particularly those who dwell to the Eastward of the Alleghanies, proves that the climate is unhealthy. The men are almost invariably bad complexioned, lathy, wall sided, round shouldered fellows…I don't suppose that a set of such looking men could be met with anywhere else than America. The women are generally thin and pale faced, with smallish ricketty figures.

Taken from http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/fem/health.htm

Western Landscape: Revered or Threatened? (SG Question #2)Ecological Imperialism Tobacco exhausted the soil Ideal livestock conditions attracted

thousands of settlers Over-hunting nearly wiped out several

species.

Pristine, natural beauty Painted by Catlin (see next slide) Spirit of nationalism = American land is a

treasured resource Eventually, this view led to the national park

system.

George Catlin – American painter

Catlin painting of Native Americans hunting Buffalo

The March of the MillionsPopulation Growth (SG#3 – causes & problems – next slide)

Causes High birthrate

By 1850, US pop. Still doubling every 25 yrs! By 1860 – 33 states US – 4th most populous nation in Western world 1790: 2 US cities over 20,000 (Philly and NY) 1860: 43 cities over 20,000!

Another Cause Immigration

Peaked in 1840’s and 1850’s from Ireland and Germany

Europe was overcrowded America = Freedom Land was abundant in US Steamships shortened travel time to 12 days

The March of the MillionsPopulation Growth (SG#3 – problems )

Problems of Urbanization* (urban growth) Smelly slums Poor street

lighting Corrupt police Poor Sanitation Impure water /

sewer systems Rats and pigs Disease

Review questions

All of the following are true of the growth in the US in the early 1800’s except…

A. immigration added to the population B. The rural population grew faster than the

urban one C. High birthrates were partly responsible. D. The nation expanded in a westerly

direction

Answer #1

B. The rural population grew faster than the urban one

Review Questions

Short answer: Name at least two of the species that was

dramatically over-hunted to the point of near extinction in the 1800’s.

Answer #2

BeaverBuffaloSea Otter