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Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803, purchased from France almost doubled the size of the United States. This purchase proves that westward expansion was inevitable because the United States gained a huge amount of land, this land provided the space and resources for the country to continue expanding into the west and further encouraged people to move. -
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
This expedition was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1804 to 1806 in which they explored the uncharted western territories of the United States. This event proves that westward expansion was inevitable because they documented and explored new lands, paving the way for future expansion as new opportunities for growth and settlement opened up. Additionally, it demonstrated the ambition that the United States had to expand westward. -
The War of 1812
The war of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain due to many different factors. This war demonstrates why westward expansion was inevitable because this war had a major influence on increased American nationalism, leading to a greater desire for the country to expand and it also solidified America’s independence. -
The Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was a message given by President James Monroe basically saying that America would not tolerate any further European colonization in the United States. This event demonstrates that westward expansion was inevitable because now, without the worry that European countries would try to colonize the land, it was “safe” and open to expansion. To add, this doctrine also showed that the United States was emerging as a world power and would do anything to protect its interests. -
The Texas Revolution
The Texas Revolution was a war that resulted in Texas’ independence from Mexico. The Texas Revolution demonstrated America's ever growing desire for territorial expansion and further expansion into Mexican territory, showing that westward expansion was bound to happen at some point soon. -
The California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush was when gold was discovered in California, attracting many people there in search of finding gold; these people were called forty-niners. This event shows why westward expansion was inevitable because it led a massive influx of people to California and this population increase led to a need for development in that area, further encouraging westward expansion and the fulfillment of manifest destiny. -
Completion of Transcontinental Railroad
The completion of the transcontinental railroad connected the east and west coast of the United States. This event demonstrates why expansion was inevitable because it connected the United States from east to west, making it faster and easier for people and goods to travel cross country. It played a crucial role in facilitating westward expansion and trade.