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Changes in a Young Nation Did changes in the young nation open the door to opportunity for all Americans?. Geographic Changes. Geographic Changes. In 1804, Lewis & Clark left St. Louis, MO for their journey to the Pacific Ocean
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Changes in a Young NationDid changes in the young nation open the door to opportunity for all Americans? Geographic Changes
Geographic Changes • In 1804, Lewis & Clark left St. Louis, MO for their journey to the Pacific Ocean • They discovered new plants & animals; met new Native American tribes; found remains of a dinosaur • 2 years & 4 months later, they arrived back to St. Louis; their journey helped promote western settlement
From Sea to Shining Sea: Acquiring New Territory • 1803—Jefferson bought Louisiana from French for $15 million • Pushed western boundary of US to Rocky Mtns. • Jefferson had vision of “empire of liberty” • Many criticized Jefferson • Country didn’t need more undeveloped land • Purchase unconstitutional
From Sea to Shining Sea: Acquiring New Territory • Reasons for National Expansion • Pop. Growing rapidly • Less good farmland in east • Make country less vulnerable to foreign attack • Appealed to sense of nationalism
Nationalism & Manifest Destiny • In 1840’s—Combo of nationalism + expansionism = Manifest Destiny • Obvious fate– it seemed obvious to Americans that US was meant to spread ideals of democracy across continent & beyond • Inspired further expansion • 1819—Spain cedes FL to US • 1845—TX joins Union after gaining independence from Mexico • 1846—US signs treaty with GB for Oregon Country • 1846—Mexican-American War—result, US gets most of SW • 1853—Gadsden Purchase—added part of AR & NM
American Indians face a Forced Westward Migration • US Westward expansion bad for Native Americans • As US added new territory, N. Americans forced to give up lands American settlers • 1830—Congress passes Indian Removal Act • Clear N. Americans from lands E of Mississippi • Move tribes to OK Territory • Some tribes went along with removal—others resisted • Cherokees fought legally—said Act violated earlier treaties • Worchester v. Georgia—Court upheld treaties, Jackson ignored ruling • Tribes that resisted were moved by force • 1838—Trail of Tears—4,000 died of disease, starvation & harsh weather
The Country Develops Sectional Identities • As US expanded—3 sections of country—North, South, West—begin to develop different identities • Influenced by geography & settlers
Sectional Identities • North • In NE, poor soil & harsh winters caused people to engage in commerce, shipbuilding & fishing for $ • Other places, most Northerners farmed for a living • By mid-1800’s—many moving to cities to work in mills & factories • Immigrants coming to US move to Northern cities for jobs.
Sectional Identities • South • Mild climate & rich soil makes agriculture the center of southern economy • Most southerners small farmers—plantation agriculture starting to become more important • Plantation owners relied on slave labor to grow cash crops • Not everyone owned slaves
Sectional Identities • West • In 1840’s West was area west of Mississippi R. • Settlement of west motivated by desire for cheap, fertile land. • Search for opportunities in the west • As settlers mixed with Indians & Mexicans, new ways of life emerged.