CONTENT STATEMENT
- Westward expansion contributed to economic and industrial development, debates over sectional issues, war with Mexico and the displacement of American Indians.
CONTENT ELABORATION
Territorial expansion of the United States continued after the War of 1812. It contributed to economic development by providing land for settlement and development of transportation networks. Resources, such as gold and fur, were discovered in the acquired territories.
As the country expanded, it developed into sections with distinct economic and cultural characteristics. The sections took different positions on key political issues of the day including slavery and tariffs. Westward expansion escalated the debate over the key sectional issue of whether slavery should be extended into the new territories.
Growth of the United States encroached upon Mexico. The annexation of Texas, efforts to purchase Mexican territory and disputes over the Texas-Mexico border led to the Mexican War.
Settlement of the United States led to the displacement of American Indians from their native lands through legal and military actions including the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears.
In the 1840s, the idea of Manifest Destiny was used by politicians and leaders to explain and justify continental expansion by the United States.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain how westward expansion contributed to economic, agricultural and industrial development.
Analyze debates over sectional issues, war with Mexico and the displacement of American Indians in relationship to westward expansion.