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Positive Effects Of Westward Expansion

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David Moline Mr. VanRuyven Social Science 27 April 2023 Westward Expansion “Manifest Destiny is the idea that the United States is destined—by God, its advocates believed—to expand its dominion and spread democracy and capitalism across the entire North American continent.”(History, 1). This belief that America was destined by God means they could do no wrong. This caused westward expansion in America to be a time of war, struggle, death and new opportunity. Although this was a violent time it also allowed for positive change; opportunity for money, a new life, and a chance to build a legacy from nothing. Another effect of Westward Expansion was an increasing tension between the North and South over slavery leading to the most deadly American …show more content…

Most tribes tried peaceful solutions with America but almost all of them failed. When Native Americans tried to fight back they stood no chance and were then forced to move by indian removal acts. The Indian removal acts were pushed the most by President Andrew Jackson. He believed they were a waste of space and the land should instead be used as cotton farms. The trails they would take from their native lands to lands that were reserved as Indian territory. The trails they took to their lands were usually long and dangerous, for example the trail of tears. “Thousands of people died along the way.” And it was referred to by the native’s as “a trail of tears and death”(History House, 4). They were even at times forced to walk in shackles through harsh weather with no support by the American Government. They were forced to find food in a place that they had never seen before. This shows the disrespect shown towards the Indians. Still today Native Americans have not recovered from the damage the early americans did and some are now …show more content…

Immigration to the west was hard work filled with troubles and opportunities. Moving thousands of miles across North America was the lives of many Americans of this time. Driven by the promised opportunities, and land grants young families had to embark on a journey. On this journey they were tasked to create a town for their children and the following generations. This was back breaking work that caused changes in gender roles. This is because when times get tough and it’s life or death women have to do a work that is usually only designated for a man. If they can’t find work or if they can’t make the first harvest there would be nothing for the next generations to inherit. “They had to be willing to do the backbreaking work required to turn a wilderness into prosperous farms and towns – but had their ancestors not done that as well”(National Geographic, 3) The comfort that their ancestors did the same work and the promised reward gave them the courage to take these risks. This caused women to get close to having the same jobs as a man. Proving that they could do things just as well as a man this was the precursor to women’s rights and something for civil rights movements to point

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