Why America's Westward Expansion Was Inevitable

Louisiana Purchase

Apr 30, 1803

A purchase that roughly doubled the size of the United States. It took place less than 30 years after the Revolutionary War, showing that westward expansion was an immediate priority.

Indian Removal Act

May 28, 1830

A major part of Andrew Jackson's mission to push the Native Americans westward, which allowed Jackson to negotiate the removal of these tribes. This event was directly tied to future westward expansion.

Trail of Tears

1831

A brutal march to the west that lasted for years in which many Native Americans died. The Trail of Tears did what the Indian Removal Act failed to do: Completely clear out the Native Americans as needed in order to make way for westward expansion.

Texas Annexation

Dec 29, 1845

This refers to the United States taking over Texas, which was to the immediate west of America at the time. This lead to the Mexican-American War; the United States was willing to go to war over westward expansion, which made it inevitable.

Oregon Territory is Acquired

Jun 15, 1846

A treaty between America and Great Britain in which the United States gained the part of the Oregon territory south of the 49th parallel. This was a big piece of manifest destiny and another demonstration of the inevitability of westward expansion.

Mexican Cession

Feb 2, 1848

Marked the end of the Mexican-American War. Mexico gave a great portion of their land to the United States, which finally connected the country from coast to coast. The outcome of the war made westward expansion absolutely unavoidable.

Gadsden Purchase

Dec 30, 1853

This was the final addition to mainland United States. The purchase completed the states of Arizona and New Mexico, which was the final indication that nothing was stopping Americans from filling out the west.