The West and the Pursuit of the Empire L14

Class Updates and Calendar Reminders

  • Online Review Session:

    • Scheduled for Monday.

    • Students should not come to class.

    • Review session will be posted on Folio.

    • Students are expected to complete it online on Folio.

  • Second Exam:

    • Date: Next Wednesday.

    • In-person class will not occur before the exam.

    • Students must bring a blue book for the exam.

    • Faculty will clarify any issues regarding exam logistics in class.

  • Faculty Availability:

    • Faculty will be on the road on Monday but available to respond to emails.

Lecture Overview

  • Topic: The West in the Pursuit of Empire

    • Focus: Key historical forces shaping the development of the West.

    • Importance of exploration and travel in the Western regions, citing personal experiences with places like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

  • Historical Character of the West:

    • The West develops differently from the North and South in the 19th century.

    • Major forces shaping the history of the West include:

    • The Civil War's impact on the West.

    • Conflicts defining the West, especially the various Indian Wars.

    • The U.S.'s involvement in building an overseas empire following Western expansion.

Historical Forces that Shaped the West

1. Impact of the Civil War

  • The Civil War is a crucial event with implications for the West.

    • While the public perception focuses on the North-South conflict, the war significantly impacts the development of the West.

    • The expansion of the U.S. territory includes struggles and changes in the culture and demographics due to the war.

2. Conflict Defined by Indian Wars

  • Various wars and conflicts with Native American tribes occurred during this period.

  • Notable conflicts include:

    • The Dakota War (1862)

    • The Sand Creek Massacre (1864)

  • The scope of conflict is extensive, involving countless battles and skirmishes. Most notably, the U.S. military often encounters resistance from Native peoples defending their lands.

3. Overseas Empire

  • Manifest Destiny led the U.S. to extend its influence beyond the continent, aiming to create an overseas empire.

  • The link between internal developments in the U.S., particularly in the West, and international expansion efforts.

Themes and Ideas

1. Greater Reconstruction

  • Refers to the broader process of redefining American identity during Reconstruction.

  • Involves territorial expansion beyond politics, influencing geography and nation-building.

2. Race and Racial Difference

  • The westward expansion brings complex racial dynamics involving Native Americans and mixed-race communities.

  • Examines the impact of race on American identity and politics, leading to future consequences such as the rise of Jim Crow laws.

3. Closing of the Frontier

  • A transformation occurs as the frontier is conquered and ceases to exist.

  • Questions arise about what it means for American identity and society without a frontier to explore or expand into.

Key Historical Developments

1. Gold Discovery in California (1848)

  • A pivotal moment that draws settlers to California and leads to rapid population expansion.

  • Transforms the economic landscape of the U.S. and influences patterns of migration.

2. Transcontinental Railroad

  • Developed through the Pacific Railway Act during the Civil War, facilitating travel and trade between East and West.

  • Funded via federal money, railroads like the Union Pacific and Central Pacific symbolized national unity and expansionism.

  • Completed in 1869, significantly reduces travel time across the continent.

3. Homestead Act

  • Intended to promote settlement in the West by offering land at low costs to prospective settlers.

  • Approximately 4 million people received land, significantly shaping American demographics.

Notable Conflicts and Events

1. Dakota War (1862)

  • Involved the Dakota Sioux people in a conflict over broken treaties and unmet obligations.

  • Resulted in harsh consequences including executions, leading to a historical legacy of mistrust and conflict.

2. Sand Creek Massacre (1864)

  • A brutal attack on Peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho camp by U.S. forces, exemplifying the brutal realities of westward expansion.

  • Set a precedent for future conflicts with Native nations that remembered such injustices.

3. Conflicts Following Lincoln's Presidency

  • The Civil War sets the conditions for further wars as military leaders apply tactics found successful in the Civil War against Native peoples.

Conclusion and Implications

  • The narrative of the West involves a complex interplay of expansion, conflict, and the shaping of American identity.

  • Important to view these historical developments not in isolation but as part of a broader American story that includes the political, social, and economic shifts following the Civil War.

  • The consequences of these conflicts and policies leave a lasting impact on Native American communities and American society as a whole.