How did America grow from the East Coast to the West Coast of North America?
(Westward Expansion - Manifest Destiny.)
The growth of America from the East Coast to the West Coast of North America was an extraordinary historic process known as Westward Expansion. It was largely driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny, which was the idea that it was America's destiny to expand its territory across the continent.
Here's an explanation of how America achieved this westward expansion:
1. Louisiana Purchase (1803): The process began with the acquisition of a large portion of land from France through the Louisiana Purchase. This purchase doubled the size of the United States and provided a significant foothold for westward growth.
2. Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806): President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore and map the newly acquired western lands. Their expedition paved the way for future settlements and established relationships with Native American tribes.
3. Oregon Country (1846): Through diplomatic negotiations with Great Britain, the United States acquired the Oregon Country, which encompassed present-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of other western states.
4. Mexican-American War (1846-1848): The United States engaged in a war with Mexico and emerged victorious. As part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico ceded a vast amount of land to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of other western states.
5. California Gold Rush (1848-1855): The discovery of gold in California attracted a massive influx of people from all over the world seeking their fortune. The rapid population growth and economic activity in California further promoted westward expansion and settlement.
6. Transcontinental Railroad (completed 1869): The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad was a monumental engineering achievement that connected the eastern and western coasts of the United States. It provided a faster and more efficient means of transportation, linking the settled eastern regions to the rapidly growing western territories.
7. Homestead Act (1862): To encourage settlement in the west, the U.S. government passed the Homestead Act, granting free land to individuals who would improve and cultivate it. This act led to the establishment of many farms and communities throughout the western territories.
Through these and other significant events, America gradually expanded from the original 13 colonies on the East Coast to span the entire North American continent, realizing the vision of Manifest Destiny.