Westward Expansion in the United States:

Manifest Destiny

The belief that Americans were destined by God to expand westward across the continent.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Acquisition from France that doubled the size of the United States.

Annexation of Texas (1845)

Texas became part of the U.S. after its independence from Mexico.

Oregon Trail and Territory (1846)

Gained through negotiation with Britain.

Mexican Cession (1848)

Land acquired after the Mexican-American War.

Gadsden Purchase (1854)

Purchased from Mexico for railroad expansion.

Homestead Act (1862)

Provided free land to settlers willing to farm it.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Forced Native American relocation, including the Trail of Tears.

Morrill Land-Grant Acts (1862)

Provided land for colleges and agricultural development.

California Gold Rush (1849)

Brought thousands west seeking wealth and opportunity.

The Trail of Tears (1830s)

Forced relocation of Native Americans under the Indian Removal Act.

Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad (1869)

Connected the East and West, facilitating migration and trade.

Economic Growth from Expansion

Increased trade and innovation in transportation and agriculture.

Displacement of Native Americans

Loss of land and suffering due to treaties and forced relocation.

Tensions over Slavery and Sectionalism

Increased tensions leading to the Civil War as a result of expansion.

Thomas Jefferson

Advocated for the Louisiana Purchase.

Lewis and Clark

Led the expedition that explored the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.

James K. Polk

President known for supporting Manifest Destiny and territorial expansion.