Focus on the westward expansion in the United States during the 19th century.
Emphasis on the Manifest Destiny ideology: the belief that Americans were destined by God to expand across the continent.
Key Themes
The Westward Spirit
Farmers in the Old West were drawn to the opportunities in the New West.
The notion that the land beyond the Mississippi was a barren desert was dispelled.
Federal encouragement for migration to the West.
Manifest Destiny: belief in spreading American values and democracy.
Migration Routes
Settlers traveled via the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails.
Motivations included economic opportunity and the promise of freedom.
The pioneer spirit was integral to the American identity.
Impact
The movement had significant effects on Native American communities.
It was characterized by both opportunity and hardship.
Visual Representation
Artists idealized western expansion, often ignoring the harsh realities faced by settlers.
Horace Greely's phrase "Go west, young man" encapsulated the era's ethos.
Structure
Chapter 17 is part of a broader historical context, preceding chapters on topics like the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Subsections in Chapter 17 include discussions on the realities of homesteading, gold and cattle industries, impact on indigenous cultures, and effects on immigrant populations.
References and Attribution
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