Westward Expansion- an Introduction

What was Manifest Destiny?

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Terms in this set (12)

What was Manifest Destiny?

The belief that it was our duty for the US to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean

Image: What was Manifest Destiny?

Reasons to expand Westward

More land = more money; grow in size and power;
more access to natural resources; more farmland;fulfil Manifest Destiny

POLITICAL reasons to expand Westward

Desire to spread Democracy and American ideals of liberty

Social reasons to expand Westward

Spread of religion; ease of overcrowding; nationalism- American pride

Economic reasons to expand Westward

More farmland; greater access to natural resources;
new market-base (new clientele)

When and where did the Gold Rush start

California 1848-1849

What were the people called who rushed to find gold?

The 49'ers (miners)

Most immigrants who went to the Gold Rush came from...

What gave American citizens free/cheap land if the paid a filing fee and settled the land for five years?

Nickname for farmers that settled on the Great Plains

Homesteaders, or sodbusters