Westward Expansion - Manifest Destiny Notes pg. 2-3

Westward Expansion ­ Manifest Destiny Notes pg. 2­3 April 18, 2013
Westward Expansion ­ Manifest Destiny
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"The American claim is by the right of
our manifest destiny to overspread and
possess the whole of the continent which
Providence has given us for the
development of the great experiment of
liberty and ... self­government entrusted
to us."
­John O'Sullivan, United States
Magazine and Democratic Review
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Oregon Territory
The land that makes up the present day
states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and
parts of Wyoming and Montana was known
as the Oregon Territory.
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By the 1840s many Americans, felt that it was the clear or obvious
right, or Manifest Destiny of the United States to possess all of the
land spanning from the Eastern seaboard to the Pacific Ocean. This
attitude of self­determination led to an interest in exploring the lands
of the Southwest.
Apr 5­2:56 PM
New Territory
The land that would one day include the states of
Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and parts of
Colorado was known as the New Mexico territory
(because it was owned by Mexico).
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Even before the United States gained control of
these territories, Americans began travelling to
these areas along the Santa Fe and Oregon
trails.
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Westward Expansion ­ Manifest Destiny Notes pg. 2­3 April 18, 2013
Push and Pull factors
Push Factors: Why to leave where you are.
Pull Factors: Why to go to a place.
Push
1. Overcrowded cities
2. Factory conditions
3. No open land
Pull
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1. Chance for a fresh
start
2. Gold
3. Cheap land
4. American Dream
Pros and Cons of Westward Expansion
Pros
1. More territory
2. More opportunities for settlers
3. Spreading the American way of life
(seen as the best in the world)
Cons
1. Hurting Native Americans
2. Taking Mexican land
3. Dangers to travelers moving west
(Including many deaths)
Apr 5­3:15 PM