Westward Expansion

Louisiana Purchase

1801

The Louisiana territory was purchased from France in 1801. The acquisition of the territory led to the United States doubling in size and gaining many raw materials while also developing strategical advantages. This event supports the question because of how easy it really was as it was only purchased for 42 cents per acre or 15 million.

Monroe Doctrine

1823

The Monroe Doctrine helped cutoff any European country's from interfering with westward expansion, as long as they didn't interfere with European affairs. This was mostly for economical reasons but also helped support the westward expansion.

Manifest Destiny

1845

The idea of manifest destiny was an idea that the God himself had given the Americans an obligation to expand westward. This ally’s to the question because it was not an idea but a mindset that people were fully convinced on and were willing to fulfill it.

Mexican American War

1846

Mexico did not recognize Texas as an Independent territory, and there were also disputes on boundary’s on where Texas ended. This ally’s to the questions because of the result of America winning the war was how many territory’s they gained which was about 55 percent of Mexicos territory.

California Gold Rush

1848

When gold was discovered in California, people from all over the country started the journey to California in hopes of striking it rich. Because of these 49ers, the population in California spiked.This applies to the question because of the amount of people that fled westward in hopes for better life.

Home Stead Act

1862

The homestead act let any one claim 160 acres of land as long as they never borne arms against the US. This applies to the question because of how it encouraged people to go west for more oppurtunity.

Transcontinental Railroad

1863

This railroad was the first to connect to eastern US to the western. It sped up and revolutionized travel and also led to more trade as goods could be exported around the country. This supports the questions because it showed how fast things were changing and how people were only looking to go more and more west.