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Louisiana Purchase
The U.S. purchased over 828,000 square miles of territory from France, doubling the size of the country. The acquisition of this vast land opened up opportunities for exploration and settlement, setting a precedent for future territorial expansion. -
Lewis and Clark expedition
Lewis and Clark led an expedition to explore the newly acquired western territories, mapping routes and identifying resources.
Their journey revealed the immense potential of the western lands, fueling public interest and government investment in expansion. -
Monroe Doctrine
This policy declared that European nations should no longer interfere in the Western Hemisphere, effectively signaling U.S. dominance and interest in the Americas.
The Monroe Doctrine asserted America's right to control the western continent, indicating a national ambition for expansion. -
Indian Removal Act
This law authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi, clearing space for American settlers.
It demonstrated the government’s willingness to remove obstacles to expansion, showing the lengths America would go to secure western land. -
Texas Annexation
Texas, which had declared independence from Mexico in 1836, was annexed by the United States, further expanding U.S. territory.
Texas' annexation continued the trend of territorial growth, which was driven by a desire to expand the nation's influence and borders. -
Oregon Trail and Westward Migration
Thousands of settlers traveled west via the Oregon Trail, seeking land and opportunity in the Oregon Territory and California.
The massive migration of settlers westward highlighted the public’s determination to occupy new lands, making western expansion a social movement. -
California Gold Rush
The discovery of gold in California drew hundreds of thousands of people to the West, accelerating the settlement of the region.
The promise of wealth drove rapid settlement, indicating that economic incentives made western expansion nearly impossible to resist.