Manifest Destiny

manifest destiny

The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. It was used to promote the idea of westward expansion.

foreign policy

A government's strategy in dealing with other nations, often involving diplomacy, trade, and military actions.

domestic policy

A government's strategies and decisions related to issues within its own borders, including economic, social, and environmental policies.

settlers

indigenous

people who originally inhabited a region before colonization or settlement by outside groups.

migrate

to move from one region to another, often in search of better living conditions or opportunities.

annex

to incorporate a territory into an existing political unit, such as a country or state.

cede

to formally give up or transfer control of territory, often through a treaty or agreement.

frontier

the unexplored or sparsely populated area beyond settled regions, often considered a boundary of expansion in a nation.

reservations

lands designated for Native American tribes by the United States government. These lands were often smaller than the tribes' original territories and were established as part of treaties.

Americanization

the process of assimilating Native Americans into European-American culture, often by teaching English and adopting Western customs.

bison

a large grazing animal that was once abundant on the Great Plains; it became a symbol of the West and was heavily hunted during the westward expansion.

assimilation

the process by which individuals or groups adopt the culture and practices of a dominant society, often losing their original identities.

emigrate

to leave one's country to settle in another, often for better opportunities or in search of freedom.

Exoduster

a term used to describe African Americans who migrated from the southern United States to Kansas after the Civil War, seeking land and opportunities.

Gold Rush

the period in the mid-19th century when thousands migrated to California in hopes of discovering gold and achieving wealth.

Great Plains

the flat, vast region of land in the central United States, known for its agriculture and as a key area for westward expansion during the 19th century.

sod house

a type of dwelling built using blocks of sod, commonly used by settlers on the Great Plains due to the scarcity of wood.

speculation

the practice of buying land or property with the hopes of selling it at a higher price, often seen during westward expansion.

telegraph

a communication system that transmits messages over long distances using electrical signals. It played a vital role in connecting the west with the east during the expansion.

transcontinental railroad

a railway that spans the continent, connecting the eastern United States with the western territories, significantly reducing travel time and facilitating trade.