Westward Expansion Essay Example For Students

Westward Expansion Essay Anthony Jones J. King History 171A October 31, 1997 Westward Expansion Essay The movement of people that has resulted in the settlement of America is one of the most fascinating and significant topics in the history of the United States. Nowhere else has an area of equal size been settled as a result of the initiative of small groups and individuals. Westward expansion helped stimulate the American economy. The first organized migration to California originated in Platte County, on the far western frontier of Missouri. We will write a custom essay on Westward Expansion specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Reports described California as a perfect paradise, a perpetual spring. The people of Platte County formed the Western Emigration Society, which sent out information about California throughout the Mississippi Valley (Wexler,139). Several merchant and landowners were concerned about the number of prospective emigrants that they launched a campaign disparaging California. This act proved to be effective, in 1842 and 1843 relatively few emigrants followed the first migration to California. The first wagon train was led by John Bidwell, the organizer of the Western Emigration Society. Bidwell let the pioneers across the Rockies, a party of 69 adults and children who divided into two groups after crossing. One group headed north into Oregon, while the other, led by Bidwell continued west to California. By 1842, the currency system of the Republic of Texas was in such dire straits that even the government would not accept redbacks for payment of taxes. Other plans were attempted to get the republic fiscal house in order, but these plans achieved only slightly better results. However, as the economy in the United States improved and the Texas annexation movement gained momentum, currency in Texas slowly recovered some of its values before Texas was annexed in 1845(emailprotected). Slavery was a big issue, many anti-slavery leaders came out strong against adding another potential slave state to the Union. The basic concerns were war with Mexico and the division over slavery(Remini). Clay argued against incorporating Texas into the Union when he was almost assured of the Whig Partys nomination for president. In the election Clay, who hedged on his annexation position, was narrowly defeated by James Polk, a former Tennessee senator who ran on a strong expansionist platform( Bender212). The Senate rejected the Texas annexation treaty submitted by John Tyler in 1844. Tyler resubmitted the issue for congressional vote again in 1845, he proposed that the two houses of Congress pass a joint resolution that Texas be annexed. Such a resolution required only a majority vote in both houses of Congress, which avoided the necessity for the two-thirds Senate majority vote required for treaty ratification (Bender214). The strategy worked, on March 1, 1845 Lame-duck President John Tyler signed the joint Resolution inviting Texas to join the Union. This was the first of this procedure to acquire a territory. The issue of whether to admit Texas remained divisive, with opponents of slavery condemning the admissions of Texas as a territorial grab intended to create a new slave state. Following the ratification of the treaty, some politicians felt the manifest destiny of the United States was to annex all of Mexico. The territory gains between 1845 and 1848 were enough to satisfy all but the most zealous advocates of manifest destiny. John OSullivan criticized the opponents of Texas annexation. He went beyond the immediate issue of Texas to argue that it is the fate of America to grow to encompass much, if not all of the North American continent. OSullivan is credited with inventing the term manifest destiny to describe his expansionist views for America. This phrase was coined in a New York Morning News editorial. (Wexler,153). The added territories gained from the war with Mexico caused the controversy over the question of slavery between the North and the South. Following the Mexican War there were bitter debates in Congress, in state legislatures and on street corners, until a temporary solution was reached with the Compromise Resolution of 1850. A resolution admitting California as a free state and allowing territorial governments for New Mexico and Utah without reference to slavery. .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f , .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f .postImageUrl , .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f , .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f:hover , .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f:visited , .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f:active { border:0!important; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f:active , .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ucf5dd6aaef306ebb562ca154e2e4046f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Critical Observation Paper Essay By the Compromises terms, the boundaries of Texas would be adjusted and the United States would assume Texas public debt. The last resolution involved slavery: That the fugitive slave law would be strengthened, but no . Westward Expansion Essay Example For Students Westward Expansion Essay Anthony Jones J. King History 171A October 31, 1997 Westward Expansion Essay The movement of people that has resulted in the settlement of America is one of the most fascinating and significant topics in the history of the United States. Nowhere else has an area of equal size been settled as a result of the initiative of small groups and individuals. Westward expansion helped stimulate the American economy. The first organized migration to California originated in Platte County, on the far western frontier of Missouri. We will write a custom essay on Westward Expansion specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Reports described California as a perfect paradise, a perpetual spring. The people of Platte County formed the Western Emigration Society, which sent out information about California throughout the Mississippi Valley (Wexler,139). Several merchant and landowners were concerned about the number of prospective emigrants that they launched a campaign disparaging California. This act proved to be effective, in 1842 and 1843 relatively few emigrants followed the first migration to California. The first wagon train was led by John Bidwell, the organizer of the Western Emigration Society. Bidwell let the pioneers across the Rockies, a party of 69 adults and children who divided into two groups after crossing. One group headed north into Oregon, while the other, led by Bidwell continued west to California. By 1842, the currency system of the Republic of Texas was in such dire straits that even the government would not accept redbacks for payment of taxes. Other plans were attempted to get the republic fiscal house in order, but these plans achieved only slightly better results. However, as the economy in the United States improved and the Texas annexation movement gained momentum, currency in Texas slowly recovered some of its values before Texas was annexed in 1845(emailprotected). Slavery was a big issue, many anti-slavery leaders came out strong against adding another potential slave state to the Union. The basic concerns were war with Mexico and the division over slavery(Remini). Clay argued against incorporating Texas into the Union when he was almost assured of the Whig Partys nomination for president. In the election Clay, who hedged on his annexation position, was narrowly defeated by James Polk, a former Tennessee senator who ran on a strong expansionist platform( Bender212). The Senate rejected the Texas annexation treaty submitted by John Tyler in 1844. Tyler resubmitted the issue for congressional vote again in 1845, he proposed that the two houses of Congress pass a joint resolution that Texas be annexed. Such a resolution required only a majority vote in both houses of Congress, which avoided the necessity for the two-thirds Senate majority vote required for treaty ratification (Bender214). The strategy worked, on March 1, 1845 Lame-duck President John Tyler signed the joint Resolution inviting Texas to join the Union. This was the first of this procedure to acquire a territory. The issue of whether to admit Texas remained divisive, with opponents of slavery condemning the admissions of Texas as a territorial grab intended to create a new slave state. Following the ratification of the treaty, some politicians felt the manifest destiny of the United States was to annex all of Mexico. The territory gains between 1845 and 1848 were enough to satisfy all but the most zealous advocates of manifest destiny. John OSullivan criticized the opponents of Texas annexation. He went beyond the immediate issue of Texas to argue that it is the fate of America to grow to encompass much, if not all of the North American continent. OSullivan is credited with inventing the term manifest destiny to describe his expansionist views for America. This phrase was coined in a New York Morning News editorial. (Wexler,153). The added territories gained from the war with Mexico caused the controversy over the question of slavery between the North and the South. Following the Mexican War there were bitter debates in Congress, in state legislatures and on street corners, until a temporary solution was reached with the Compromise Resolution of 1850. A resolution admitting California as a free state and allowing territorial governments for New Mexico and Utah without reference to slavery. .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 , .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 .postImageUrl , .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 , .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835:hover , .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835:visited , .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835:active { border:0!important; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835:active , .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835 .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u577ea1c0eeaec19fba1ba4deb15e1835:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: My Romeo and Juliet Essay By the Compromises terms, the boundaries of Texas would be adjusted and the United States would assume Texas public debt. The last resolution involved slavery: That the fugitive slave law would be strengthened, but no . Westward Expansion Essay Example For Students Westward Expansion Essay the right of our manifest destiny to over spread to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given to us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federative development of the self government entrusted to us. It is right such as that of the tree to the space of air and the earth suitable for the full expansion of its principle and destiny of growth ..John.L OSullivan Manifest Destiny can be described as a phenomen that created Americas history, a movement that would embody American beliefs and American culture, it implied imperialistic expansion that the Americans believed was there right, this right led to hardships, several wars and hostilities between countries and also between people occupying the American land. We will write a custom essay on Westward Expansion specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Though this destiny also led to new lives, comradery and development it achieved the ultimate goal of possession. Manifest Destiny was the philosophy that created a nation. In the year of 1800 the West to coin an old phrase was an unknown frontier to the Americans who had settled upon the East Coast. The West was a mystery blocked by a French colony by the name of Louisiana. America was under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson who in the true spirit of Americans was interested in the west and the possibilities it offered. With this in mind he organised an expedition into the French owned territory, before this expedition could begin in 1803 French leader Napoleon Bonaparte offered to sell Louisiana to America for a price of fifteen million dollars and with this historic purchase the West was opened up to expansion and pioneers. America now possessed the heart of their continent. Jeffersons planed expedition continued and under the leadership of Lewis and Clarke the exploration of the newly acquired West began, the expedition covered 4,000 miles and all lands beyond Louisiana to the Pacific were claimed for America. This expedition shattered dreams of Jefferson and exposed how hard the Rockies were to penetrate despite this, the extensive richness in the area and in the fur trade enticed trade, and the Rockies became the centre of American fur trade. The west was now largely American and the lure would call to many in the following years. The call of Westward migration was largely related to the economic situation of the East and in times of hardships or depression the West seemed to be a form of escape the first example of this occurred in 1806 when business restrictions in the East caused economic problems, this wave of migration consequently resulted in the additional States of Louisiana(1812), Indiana(1816), Mississippi(1817), Illinois(1818) and Alabama(1819) to the union of the United States. (To become a State of the Union a population of 60,000 must be reached). In 1807 the Embargo Act was passed which prohibited United States vessels from trading with European nations during the Napoleonic Wars, this embargo seriously threatened American livelihoods and stimulated a continuation of economic disruption. The war of 1812 is worth mentioning as it created a feeling of national pride and stopped the domination of America by European events, the decade in which followed has often been referred to as the Era of Good Feeling but in fact it could be classified as the prelude to the strife and devastation and animosity that was destined to continue for four decades. Westward Expansion Essay accelerated when Spain ceded Florida to America in 1819, in exchange for the payment of $5 million dollars and the settlement of all American claims made towards the Spanish government. In 1921 the Mexicans drove the Spaniards from the continent and declared Texas to be a Mexican State. The Mexicans encouraged American Westward movement and American pioneers and settlers were driven to this territory by trade and also by the promise of cheap fertile land. The Americans soon outnumbered the Mexicans and some were calling for annexation by the USA. .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff , .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff .postImageUrl , .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff , .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff:hover , .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff:visited , .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff:active { border:0!important; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff:active , .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u347987a9c35f04431299b0779cfe8fff:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Homelessness In America Essay This perhaps is the starting point of hostilities between the Mexicans and the Americans, which would later develop into the Mexican American War. The Texas situation however would evolve into a revolution led, without the help of the American army. The Mexicans were defeated and Texas declared independent in 1836 due to the question of slavery . Westward Expansion Essay Example For Students Westward Expansion Essay the right of our manifest destiny to over spread to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given to us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federative development of the self government entrusted to us. It is right such as that of the tree to the space of air and the earth suitable for the full expansion of its principle and destiny of growth ..John.L OSullivan Manifest Destiny can be described as a phenomen that created Americas history, a movement that would embody American beliefs and American culture, it implied imperialistic expansion that the Americans believed was there right, this right led to hardships, several wars and hostilities between countries and also between people occupying the American land. We will write a custom essay on Westward Expansion specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Though this destiny also led to new lives, comradery and development it achieved the ultimate goal of possession. Manifest Destiny was the philosophy that created a nation. In the year of 1800 the West to coin an old phrase was an unknown frontier to the Americans who had settled upon the East Coast. The West was a mystery blocked by a French colony by the name of Louisiana. America was under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson who in the true spirit of Americans was interested in the west and the possibilities it offered. With this in mind he organised an expedition into the French owned territory, before this expedition could begin in 1803 French leader Napoleon Bonaparte offered to sell Louisiana to America for a price of fifteen million dollars and with this historic purchase the West was opened up to expansion and pioneers. America now possessed the heart of their continent. Jeffersons planed expedition continued and under the leadership of Lewis and Clarke the exploration of the newly acquired West began, the expedition covered 4,000 miles and all lands beyond Louisiana to the Pacific were claimed for America. This expedition shattered dreams of Jefferson and exposed how hard the Rockies were to penetrate despite this, the extensive richness in the area and in the fur trade enticed trade, and the Rockies became the centre of American fur trade. The west was now largely American and the lure would call to many in the following years. The call of Westward migration was largely related to the economic situation of the East and in times of hardships or depression the West seemed to be a form of escape the first example of this occurred in 1806 when business restrictions in the East caused economic problems, this wave of migration consequently resulted in the additional States of Louisiana(1812), Indiana(1816), Mississippi(1817), Illinois(1818) and Alabama(1819) to the union of the United States. (To become a State of the Union a population of 60,000 must be reached). In 1807 the Embargo Act was passed which prohibited United States vessels from trading with European nations during the Napoleonic Wars, this embargo seriously threatened American livelihoods and stimulated a continuation of economic disruption. The war of 1812 is worth mentioning as it created a feeling of national pride and stopped the domination of America by European events, the decade in which followed has often been referred to as the Era of Good Feeling but in fact it could be classified as the prelude to the strife and devastation and animosity that was destined to continue for four decades. Westward Expansion Essay accelerated when Spain ceded Florida to America in 1819, in exchange for the payment of $5 million dollars and the settlement of all American claims made towards the Spanish government. In 1921 the Mexicans drove the Spaniards from the continent and declared Texas to be a Mexican State. The Mexicans encouraged American Westward movement and American pioneers and settlers were driven to this territory by trade and also by the promise of cheap fertile land. The Americans soon outnumbered the Mexicans and some were calling for annexation by the USA. .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c , .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c .postImageUrl , .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c , .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c:hover , .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c:visited , .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c:active { border:0!important; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c:active , .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u6fdf7b76c6961516abd7f3d99df8839c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: History Individual Study Essay This perhaps is the starting point of hostilities between the Mexicans and the Americans, which would later develop into the Mexican American War. The Texas situation however would evolve into a revolution led, without the help of the American army. The Mexicans were defeated and Texas declared independent in 1836 due to the question of slavery .