Manifest Destiny
What was Manifest Destiny?
The belief that Americans were meant to expand west across the continent
What geographical feature did the U.S. gain from the Louisiana Purchase?
The mississippi river and land west of it
What is a frontier?
The edge of a settled land
Who lived on much of the land before settlers arrived?
Native American tribes
What caused Americans to move west?
Manifest Destiny
Give one reason Americans wanted to move west.
More land, gold, jobs, or new opportunities
Which country did the U.S. buy the Louisiana Territory from?
France
Name one challenge settlers faced on the frontier.
Harsh weather, lack of supplies, or danger
What happened to many Native Americans as settlers moved west?
They were forced off their land
What was one effect of westward expansion on the U.S.?
More land and resources. More conflict with Natives and Mexico.
How did Manifest Destiny affect westward movement?
It encouraged settlers to move west and expand U.S. territory
How did the annexation of Texas affect the U.S.? Who did the U.S. begin to have conflict with?
It increased U.S. land and led to conflict with Mexico
How did settlers adapt to frontier life?
Built houses, farmed, and relied on neighbors
What was one effect of westward expansion on Native American culture?
Loss of land, traditions, culture, and population.
What was one effect of westward expansion on slavery?
Increased debate over whether new states should allow slavery
Name one group negatively affected by Manifest Destiny.
Native Americans or Mexicans
What was one result of the Mexican-American War?
The U.S. gained land in the Southwest
How did westward expansion change American culture? How are Americans feeling conquering the unknown land west?
It encouraged independence and self-reliance. They felt proud.
Why did conflicts occur between Native Americans and settlers?
Both groups wanted the same land
How did westward expansion affect the economy?
It created jobs (building railroads and canals) and increased trade
Why did Manifest Destiny cause conflicts?
Because settlers took land already occupied by Native Americans and Mexico
Why did people disagree about adding new territories to the U.S.?
They could not agree on whether slavery should expand
Why were railroads important to frontier life?
They helped transport people, goods, and resources
How did U.S. government policies affect Native Americans?
They forced removal and relocation
Explain one cause-and-effect relationship from westward expansion.
Settlers moved west → Native Americans lost land
Texas Annexation → Mexican-American War border dispute
Louisiana Purchase → Doubled Size of U.S.