Was expansion inevitable?

Louisiana Purchase

Jul 4, 1803

The Louisiana Purchase was important because it basically doubled the size of the United States. Thomas Jefferson wanted Louisiana for expansion and for how is would provide prosperity, natural resources and future protection. This event was meant to happen because without Louisiana, no expansion would have happened---since this was kinda of the first step of the future.

The War of 1812

Jun 18, 1812

I included this even because even though no one really won in this war, The British recognized America for its power. Which would be important for the future potential allies since this was called "America's second independence".

Missouri Compromise

Mar 2, 1820

This event was where the U.S Government tried to balance the states that held slaves and others that didn't. This act did work for a while but since the slaveholding states were nervous that they would be overpowered "in Congressional representation" which lead up to the Civil War. This is included here because it freeded Maine's state and it also held the union together, keeping the slavery and expansion tension low-making it one less thing to worry about while thinking of expanding.

Indian Removal Act

May 28, 1830

This act was the official sign off of no Indian rights. President Jackson did this because it permitted him to negotiate with Native Americans for them to be removed and moved to the area by the west of the Mississippi river and inreturn give them the lands they used to thrive in. Not to mention, some left without protesting while others resisted-This was really important because this was another step to expanding their (americans) land and having this land helped them greatly with the economy.

Trail of tears

1831

the Trail of Tears was a major point because the Natives were forced out of their homes for westerners to expand and settle. This event was just the journey of the Natives forced to move. Moving them to present day "Oklahoma".

Manifest Destiny

1845

"Manifest Destiny" was the belief that it was destined to have expanded. In the 19th century advocates would say this expansion was unavoidable and meant to be since it was a wise choice to do. Once they moved and settled(so 1849), the population boomed. Making california an area eligible for statehood. This was the start of the whole name.

Mexican american war

Apr 24, 1846

This war was a conflict where the U.S fought Mexico for the soil/lands. This whole war was planned by President James K. Polk who had the idea that this destiny to spread across the pacific and to the west. Along rio Grande, the "series of U.S victories followed the fighting" and Mexico lost, losing one-third of its territory. This was also a very significant event because this whole war lead the end of the "Manifest Destiny" dream, that stretched across the North America continent.

Homestead Act

May 20, 1862

This act was the government giving free land titles to settlers to encourage expansion of the western territories. So anyone who wouldn't go against the U.S government, they would be given 160 acres of federal land. This was very significant to the westward expansion because it actually improved people's resources. This act was successful and it involved smaller towns to bigger cities..so it was a big hit for the economy.