Which sentence best describes how the process of westward expansion affected American political culture?
(1 point)
The need for labor led to the abolition of slavery and increased respect for personal liberty.
The concept of expansion led to an accepting culture, and also inspired involvement in international politics.
The culture of settlers led to a respect for self-reliance, but also led to discrimination against Native Americans.
The addition of new states led to a respect for states' rights, but also led to a decrease in the power of the urban majority.
The culture of settlers led to a respect for self-reliance, but also led to discrimination against Native Americans.
The sentence that best describes how the process of westward expansion affected American political culture is:
"The culture of settlers led to a respect for self-reliance, but also led to discrimination against Native Americans."
To determine which sentence best describes how the process of westward expansion affected American political culture, we can analyze each option:
1) The need for labor led to the abolition of slavery and increased respect for personal liberty.
This sentence suggests that the expansion resulted in the abolition of slavery and a greater emphasis on personal freedom due to the demand for labor. While the westward expansion did contribute to the eventual abolition of slavery, it is important to note that this process was protracted and complex, involving various political, social, and economic factors. Furthermore, the impact of westward expansion on personal liberty extended beyond just the abolition of slavery, making this sentence incomplete in capturing the overall effects of expansion on American political culture.
2) The concept of expansion led to an accepting culture and also inspired involvement in international politics.
This sentence suggests that the idea of expansion fostered a culture of acceptance and also encouraged the United States to engage in international politics. While westward expansion did influence American attitudes towards territorial expansion and national identity, it is overly simplistic to state that it directly led to an accepting culture. Similarly, while expansion did play a role in shaping America's involvement in international politics, it was not the sole determining factor. Thus, this sentence does not adequately capture the complexity and breadth of the effects of westward expansion on American political culture.
3) The culture of settlers led to a respect for self-reliance but also led to discrimination against Native Americans.
This sentence suggests that the culture of the settlers during westward expansion resulted in a greater appreciation for self-reliance but also led to discrimination against Native Americans. This option acknowledges the influence of westward expansion on American political culture through the lens of settler culture and its impact on both positive and negative aspects of American society. It highlights the value placed on self-reliance and individualism but also recognizes the harmful consequences for Native American populations. Thus, this sentence provides a more accurate and comprehensive description of how westward expansion affected American political culture.
4) The addition of new states led to a respect for states' rights but also led to a decrease in the power of the urban majority.
This sentence suggests that the incorporation of new states during westward expansion led to an increased emphasis on states' rights but also resulted in a decrease in the influence of the urban majority. While the addition of new states did contribute to debates over the balance of power between the federal government and the states, it is important to note that this aspect of American political culture predates westward expansion. Furthermore, the connection between westward expansion and the decline of urban influence is not clearly established in this sentence. Therefore, this option does not sufficiently capture the overall impact of westward expansion on American political culture.
Based on the analysis of each sentence, the option that best describes how the process of westward expansion affected American political culture is:
- The culture of settlers led to a respect for self-reliance but also led to discrimination against Native Americans.