Prompt: Evaluate the relative significance of the development of the West between 1865 and 1898.
Body paragraphs (topics/arguments relate back to thesis) and Supporting Evidence & Analysis
thesis: The development of the West between 1865 and 1898 was a very important time period in shaping the future of the U.S. It led to a huge population moving west, the growth of industries and commerce, and the advancement of democratic ideals. This period witnessed major advancements in transportation, communication, and urbanization, ultimately transforming the west into a vital and essential part of the nation. The west’s expansion led to economic growth, societal changes, and helped see America as a major world power. However, while the development of the West was significant, it had a huge impact on society.
Body Paragraph 1:
One major significance of the development of the West between 1865 and 1898 was the massive population movement to the region. The Homestead Act of 1862, which granted 160 acres of land to anyone willing to settle and cultivate it, attracted hundreds of thousands of settlers to the West. The population of the western states and territories grew exponentially during this period, from around 2.6 million in 1865 to over 7.5 million in 1898. This migration not only increased the population of the United States as a whole but also contributed to the development of new communities and the establishment of a distinct western identity.
Body Paragraph 2:
Another significant aspect of the development of the West was the growth of industries and commerce. The discovery of valuable natural resources such as gold, silver, and coal in the western states and territories fueled an economic boom. Mining towns sprang up, attracting miners and prospectors from all over the country. The construction of railroads to transport these resources to eastern markets further stimulated economic growth in the West. The expansion of industries and commerce in the West not only contributed to the nation's overall economic development but also helped to integrate the region into the national economy.
Body Paragraph 3:
The advancement of democratic ideals was also a crucial aspect of the development of the West during this period. The western states and territories were seen as a blank slate where new experiments in democracy and self-government could be tried. The introduction of direct democracy, such as the initiative, referendum, and recall, in many western states gave citizens more direct participation in the political process. The achievement of women's suffrage in Wyoming in 1869, followed by other western states, also demonstrated a progressive and inclusive approach to democracy. The development of the West thus played a significant role in the expansion of democratic ideals throughout the United States.
Counterargument:
While the development of the West was undoubtedly significant, it also had negative impacts on society. The rapid expansion of the West led to the displacement and marginalization of Native American tribes. The federal government's policy of Indian removal and the establishment of reservations confined Native Americans to limited and often undesirable lands, resulting in the loss of their traditional way of life. The conflicts and tensions between settlers and Native Americans were also prevalent during this period, culminating in several violent and bloody clashes, such as the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.
Conclusion:
Despite the negative consequences, the development of the West between 1865 and 1898 was undeniably a significant time period in shaping the future of the United States. It led to a massive population movement, the growth of industries and commerce, and the advancement of democratic ideals. The west's expansion contributed to the economic growth of the nation as a whole, brought about societal changes, and solidified America's status as a major world power.