Westward Expansion/Progressive Era

Louisiana Purchase

Apr 3, 1803

This was a large piece of land bought from France. This was a federalist decision on Thomas Jefferson's part. This allowed for the beginning of westward expansion.

Missouri Compromise

Mar 6, 1820

This drew a figurative line from east to west and divided the nation. One half was free, the other not. It prevented expansion of slavery out west and north.

Trail of Tears

1831

Native Americans were forced out of their homelands by Americans. Disease was spread easily, and conditions were poor. Many of them died on their journey.

Mexican-American War

Apr 25, 1846

This was an invasion of Mexican territory the U.S. It occurred in Texas. The U.S. wanted to expand their reach into western and southern areas.

Treaty of Guadelupe-Hidalgo

Feb 2, 1848

This treaty ended the Mexican-American War. It also gave the U.S. over one million square miles in New land for expansion.

Fugitive Slave Act

Sep 18, 1850

This allowed Southern states to reclaim lost slaves that had escaped. Most of them had escaped to places where slavery was outlawed.

Bleeding Kansas

1854

When the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, many people fled into western states to vote in favor of slavery. This caused outbreaks in the state of Kansas, where most of them fled to.

Civil War

Apr 12, 1861

This was fighting between the Northern (Union) and the Southern (Confederate) states. It was mainly over the topic of slaves, but also rejoining the U.S.

Homestead Act

May 20, 1862

Adult citizens could claim over 100 acres of government land for free. The catch was that they were required to cultivate and improve the land. Over 7 million Americans went to claim their prise.

Pacific Railway Act

Jul 1, 1862

Signed by President Abraham Lincoln, this act allowed for the 32nd parallel to be the initial transcontinental route. It also allowed for government funding for the project, and donated large areas of land for the project.

Transcontinental Railroad Expansion

1863

Immigrants and other cheap laborers were hired to build many feet of railroad each day for very little pay. It began action after Lincoln passed the Pacific Railway Act in 1862.

Emancipation Proclomation

Jan 1, 1863

This was a proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln. It stated that slaves would all be free from the rebellious states.

Ghost Dance Movement

1889

This was a spiritual dance movement that arose in South Dakota with native Americans. They believed it would bring the ghosts of their ancestors to help them reclaim lost land from the whites.