Westward expansion during the nineteenth century played a vital role in American history. The west provided more economic chances for America. Unfortunately this expansion came with consequences, especially to the lives of Native Americans. Although moving westward provided more opportunities to Americans, Natives were devasted…
Westward Expansion Essay Examples and Topics
1801 - 1861
USA
In 1803, Thomas Jefferson negotiated a treaty to purchase the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million. As a result, this young nation was doubled in size. The acquired land went from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River.
In 1804, the President organized an expedition of authors and experts, who explored the resources and geography of the area. Further territorial expansion was promoted, with the idea that the USA should cover the entire continent.
President Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark
As new states joined the Union, new towns emerged and the already-established ones grew. The westward expansion brought new populations and industries across the continent.
With the treaty of 1803, the nationās size was nearly doubled. This was the beginning of a massive geographical and cultural expansion. The expansion in the West still lasts today, with the attempts to populate the regionās most remote areas.
The westward expansion, as one of the most important periods in U.S. history, resulted in major cultural encounters. They impacted the daily life of the citizens, and triggered the industrial growth of new and established cities.