Chapter 13 offers an introduction to American westward expansion during the first half of the nineteenth century. Topics covered in this chapter include the economic and demographic pressures that led to western migration; the development of large scale farming in the Old Northwest; the extension of the plantation society into the Old Southwest; the philosophy of Manifest Destiny and its impact on westward expansion; the relationship among Native Americans, Hispanics, and American settlers; the Mexican War and subsequent addition of the Southwest to the United States.
After reading this chapter you should be able to:
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Describe conditions that contributed to western migration.
- Explain the diverse regional and cultural influences in the Old Northwest and as well as lifestyle and living conditions in the region.
- Compare and contrast the socio-economic development of the Old Northwest with the Old Southwest.
- Identify how the Sioux Indians became one of the most formidable tribes of the Trans-Mississippi West.
- Describe the lifestyle of the mountain men.
- Outline the path of the Oregon Trail and describe the journey to Oregon.
- List the principle groups of Native Americans living in the Mexican borderlands and characteristics of each.
- Explain the Mexican government’s motivations for allowing American colonization into Texas; describe the conflict between colonists and the Mexican government and the eventual outcome of the conflict.
- Describe the nature of Mexican and American interests in California; explain the impact of the Santa Fe Trail on the settlement of New Mexico and the Mormons on the settlement of Utah.
- Explain the philosophy of Manifest Destiny and its racial overtones.
- Outline the events leading to the Mexican War, the factors that contributed to the American victory, and the provisions of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
