Introduction
The concept of Manifest Destiny was largely based in the idea that Americans had the right to occupy the continent from "sea to shining sea". Much of the 19th century was devoted to this idea and the United States expanded rapidly as a result.
In this painting titled American Progress, the figure leading the way is Columbia. She lights the way for white settlers while pushing the buffalo and Native Americans into obscurity. This painting symbolizes attitudes in the United States regarding westward expansion in the 19th century.
In previous lessons, you have learned about the Louisiana Purchase and the acquisition of Florida from Spain. In this lesson, you will learn about the expansion to the far West and the acquisition of the Oregon and California territories.
Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...
- Summarize the reasons American settlers moved west during the mid-1800s
- Identify westward trails and the groups that used them
- Describe the impact of westward expansion on Native Americans
Essential Questions
- What enduring impact did Manifest Destiny have on U.S. domestic and foreign policies?
Enduring Understandings
- American nationalism and the development of a uniquely American ideology influenced the court system, foreign affairs and Westward expansion and shaped the identity of America in the first half of the 19th century.
The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: United States History I standards: 5, 7, 8 and 13.1.