Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny (1844-1877)

Flashcards covering key concepts related to Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny during the period of 1844 to 1877.

Manifest Destiny

The nationalistic idea that God had blessed the United States and given it a mission to expand across the North American continent.

James K. Polk

The 11th President of the United States, whose campaign focused on U.S. expansion into the West.

Oregon Fever

The mass migration of American settlers to the Oregon territory during the 1840s, driven by stories of its fertile soil.

Homestead Act (1862)

A law that granted 160 acres of free land to Americans willing to improve it for at least 5 years.

Texas Annexation (1845)

The admission of Texas as a U.S. state, which contributed to tensions with Mexico.

California Gold Rush

A period of rapid migration to California beginning in 1848, following the discovery of gold.

Preemption Act (1841)

A law that allowed squatters to purchase land they had settled on at a low price before it was sold at public auction.

American Indian Displacement

The forced relocation of Native American tribes as a result of westward expansion and broken treaties.

Commodore Matthew Perry

The naval officer who led a mission to open Japan to U.S. trade in 1854.

Ideological reasons for westward expansion

The belief in Manifest Destiny and the perceived superiority of American governance and culture.

Practical reasons for westward expansion

Factors such as economic opportunities, government policies, religious refuge, and trade interests driving migration West.

Mormon Migration

The relocation of Mormons to the Utah territory for religious freedom, led by Brigham Young.

Market Revolution

A period of economic transformation in the early 19th century that facilitated westward expansion.

Social Safety Valve

The idea that westward migration could relieve social and political pressures in more populated areas.

Louisiana Purchase

The 1803 acquisition of territory that doubled the size of the United States and encouraged westward migration.