westward expansion essay examples

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Essays on Westward Expansion

🌄 westward expansion: journey to the wild west.

Hey, history buffs! Ever wondered about Westward Expansion? It's an epic tale of adventure and discovery in the American frontier. So, why write an essay about it? Well, it's not just a school thing; it's a chance to relive the thrilling journey of pioneers, cowboys, and trailblazers who shaped the West. Let's saddle up and explore the frontier! 🤠

📝 Westward Expansion Essay Topics: Riding into the Unknown

Choosing the right topic for your Westward Expansion essay is key. You want to dive into something that sparks your curiosity. Check out these ideas:

🚀 Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny was the driving force behind Westward Expansion. Here are some essay topics to consider:

• What is Manifest Destiny, and how did it shape the Westward Expansion?
• Debates surrounding Manifest Destiny: expansion or imperialism?
• Notable figures who championed Manifest Destiny and their impact.
• The consequences of Manifest Destiny on indigenous peoples and nations.

🌟 Pioneers and Explorers

The West was explored by brave pioneers and adventurers. Explore these essay topics:

• The Oregon Trail: the challenges and triumphs of westward migration.
• The famous Lewis and Clark expedition: mapping the unknown West.
• Frontiersmen and women who made their mark on the wilderness.
• The Gold Rushes: how gold fever shaped the West and its communities.

⚔️ Indigenous Peoples and Conflicts

The Westward Expansion had a significant impact on indigenous populations. These essay topics delve into this complex history:

• The displacement and challenges faced by Native American tribes.
• Notable Native American leaders and their resistance efforts.
• Treaties and conflicts between settlers and indigenous peoples.
• Trail of Tears: the tragic journey of the Cherokee Nation.

🏙️ Impact on Society

Westward Expansion transformed American society. Explore these essay ideas:

• How Westward Expansion contributed to the growth of cities and urbanization.
• The role of women in shaping the West and advocating for their rights.
• The impact of the Homestead Act on land ownership and farming in the West.
• The legacy of the Wild West in American culture and media.

✍️ Westward Expansion Essay Example

📜 thesis statement examples.

1. "Westward Expansion, driven by the concept of Manifest Destiny, was a pivotal period in American history that transformed the nation's landscape, culture, and relationships with indigenous peoples. This essay explores the motivations, challenges, and consequences of this extraordinary journey."

2. "The pioneers and explorers who ventured into the untamed West epitomized the spirit of adventure and ambition. This essay delves into their remarkable stories, highlighting the challenges they faced, the discoveries they made, and the enduring impact they had on the American frontier."

3. "The Westward Expansion was a complex and often tragic chapter in American history, marked by the clash of cultures and the displacement of indigenous peoples. This essay examines the multifaceted aspects of this expansion, from the relentless drive for land to the enduring resilience of Native American communities."

4. "Westward Expansion not only reshaped the geography of the United States but also left an indelible mark on its social fabric. From the struggles of pioneers to the changing roles of women, this essay explores the multifaceted impact of this historic journey on American society and culture."

📝 Westward Expansion Essay Introduction Paragraph Examples

1. "In the early 19th century, a bold vision known as Manifest Destiny ignited the flames of westward expansion across the American continent. This essay is a time machine, taking us back to an era of pioneers, explorers, and frontiersmen who ventured into the unknown with dreams of prosperity, adventure, and discovery. Join us on this journey into the heart of the Wild West."

2. "The Wild West isn't just a Hollywood invention; it's a real chapter in American history, filled with untamed landscapes, daring pioneers, and epic adventures. In this essay, we'll embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries of Westward Expansion, from the rugged trails of the Oregon Trail to the confrontations with indigenous peoples who called the West home."

3. "The tale of Westward Expansion is a tapestry woven with ambition, hardship, and conflict. Beyond the romanticized images of cowboys and gold rushes lies a complex and transformative journey. This essay serves as our compass, guiding us through the diverse landscapes, cultures, and stories that define the American frontier."

🔚 Westward Expansion Essay Conclusion Paragraph Examples

1. "As we conclude this essay on Westward Expansion, we're reminded that the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of dreams have shaped our nation's history. The legacy of those who blazed trails and faced the unknown endures in the very fabric of the United States. Let us honor their courage and explore the lessons of the frontier as we continue our journey through time."

2. "In the annals of American history, the Westward Expansion stands as a testament to human ambition, resilience, and the enduring quest for freedom. The challenges faced and the sacrifices made by pioneers and indigenous peoples alike remind us of the complexities of our nation's past. Let this essay be a tribute to their stories and a reminder of the landscapes they shaped."

3. "Westward Expansion paints a vivid portrait of America's transformation, where untamed wilderness met the relentless ambition of pioneers. As we bid farewell to this essay, may we carry forward the lessons of the Wild West—lessons of perseverance, cultural exchange, and the enduring spirit of exploration. The West, with all its mysteries and challenges, remains an integral part of our nation's identity."

Impact of Western Expansion

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Westward Expansion and The American Dream

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The Oregon Trail in American History

Civil war causes: westward expansion, compromise failure & south’s fear, the oregon trail and its pioneers, the powerful west: colonialism & separation of church and state, manifest destiny and manifest destiny, summary of inskeeps jacksonland, major factors for westward expansion.

Western Territories of the United States

The Westward expansion was a significant historical movement in the United States during the 19th century. It involved the gradual expansion of American settlers and their territories westward, primarily across the North American continent.

The historical context of the Westward expansion was shaped by several key factors. One significant factor was the idea of manifest destiny, a belief that it was the nation's destiny and duty to expand across the continent. This ideology fueled a sense of national pride and a desire for territorial expansion. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803, in which the United States acquired a vast amount of land from France, set the stage for the Westward expansion. This massive acquisition provided the opportunity for further exploration, settlement, and the extension of American influence. The Westward expansion was also influenced by economic factors. The discovery of valuable resources such as gold, silver, and fertile land in the West attracted settlers seeking new opportunities and wealth. The promise of economic prosperity and the allure of land ownership played a significant role in motivating people to venture westward. Additionally, political factors contributed to the Westward expansion. The desire to maintain a balance of power between free and slave states, as well as the notion of "American exceptionalism," spurred the expansion into new territories and the subsequent admission of new states to the Union.

Louisiana Purchase (1803): The acquisition of a vast territory from France doubled the size of the United States, opening up opportunities for westward expansion and settlement. Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806): President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore and map the newly acquired western lands, paving the way for future migration and understanding of the region. Oregon Trail (1836-1869): The Oregon Trail became a vital route for pioneers seeking a new life in the Oregon Territory. Thousands traveled this arduous path, enduring hardships and dangers along the way. Texas Annexation (1845): Texas, previously an independent republic, was admitted as a state, fueling tensions with Mexico and eventually leading to the Mexican-American War. California Gold Rush (1848-1855): The discovery of gold in California attracted a massive influx of prospectors from around the world, dramatically accelerating westward migration and shaping the development of the region. Homestead Act (1862): The Homestead Act offered free land to settlers who were willing to develop and cultivate it, encouraging westward migration and the establishment of farming communities. Transcontinental Railroad (1869): The completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad connected the eastern and western coasts of the United States, facilitating trade, travel, and further settlement in the West.

Thomas Jefferson: As the third President of the United States, Jefferson played a pivotal role in the Westward expansion by spearheading the Louisiana Purchase, which greatly expanded American territory. John O'Sullivan: Coined the term "manifest destiny," O'Sullivan advocated for the belief that it was America's divine mission to expand westward and spread democracy and American values. Jedediah Smith: A fur trapper and explorer, Smith played a crucial role in expanding American knowledge of the West. He explored vast territories, including the Great Basin and the California coast. Brigham Young: After the murder of Joseph Smith, Young led the Mormons on a perilous journey westward and established settlements, including Salt Lake City, in present-day Utah. John Sutter: Sutter's Fort, established by John Sutter in present-day California, became an important stop for settlers heading west during the California Gold Rush. Sacagawea: A Shoshone woman, Sacagawea served as a guide and interpreter during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, contributing to the success of their exploration.

Territorial Expansion: The Westward expansion resulted in the acquisition of vast territories, including the Louisiana Purchase, Oregon Country, and the Mexican Cession. This expansion laid the foundation for the future growth and development of the United States. Economic Transformation: The movement westward brought about significant economic changes. The discovery of valuable resources, such as gold and silver, spurred mining industries and economic booms. The fertile lands of the West also facilitated agricultural expansion, leading to increased food production and economic prosperity. Transportation and Communication: The Westward expansion stimulated the development of transportation and communication networks. The construction of railroads, canals, and roads facilitated trade and travel, connecting distant regions and fostering national unity. Migration and Cultural Exchange: The movement of people westward led to the creation of diverse communities and the blending of cultures. Immigrants from various backgrounds settled in the West, contributing to a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and customs. Native American Displacement and Conflict: The Westward expansion had devastating consequences for Native American tribes, leading to forced removals, loss of lands, and conflicts. This tragic aspect of the expansion highlights the clash of cultures and the impact of colonialism on indigenous peoples. Shaping of American Identity: The Westward expansion played a vital role in shaping the American identity. It embodied the ideals of manifest destiny, individualism, and rugged frontier spirit. The experiences of pioneers, settlers, and explorers became woven into the fabric of American mythology and the national narrative. Political and Social Issues: The Westward expansion fueled debates and conflicts over issues such as slavery, land rights, and statehood. These tensions ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the American Civil War, highlighting the profound political and social implications of the expansion.

Many Americans viewed the Westward expansion as a symbol of national progress and destiny. They embraced the idea of manifest destiny and believed it was the nation's divine mission to spread democracy, civilization, and American values across the continent. Expansionists saw the acquisition of new territories as an opportunity for economic growth, land ownership, and a chance to escape crowded eastern cities. However, not all Americans supported the Westward expansion. Some believed it violated the rights of Native Americans and led to unnecessary conflicts. Others expressed concerns about the expansion's impact on the balance of power between free and slave states, as it raised questions about the expansion of slavery into new territories. Native American tribes, on the other hand, had varying opinions about the Westward expansion. Some tribes initially formed alliances with American settlers, while others resisted encroachment on their lands. The expansion resulted in the displacement, mistreatment, and loss of Native American lives and cultures, leading to a deep sense of betrayal and grief among indigenous populations. Additionally, many settlers and pioneers who ventured westward were driven by personal motivations, such as seeking economic opportunities, landownership, and a fresh start. Their opinions varied depending on their experiences, the challenges they faced, and their interactions with Native Americans and other settlers.

Literature: "Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy: This novel explores the brutal realities of the Westward expansion, focusing on the violent encounters between settlers, Native Americans, and outlaws along the Texas-Mexico border. "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" by Dee Brown: This historical account documents the experiences and tragic fates of Native American tribes during the Westward expansion, shedding light on the devastating impact of colonization.

Films and Television: "Dances with Wolves" (1990): Directed by Kevin Costner, this Academy Award-winning film tells the story of a Union Army lieutenant who befriends a Native American tribe while stationed in the Dakota Territory during the Civil War era, highlighting the clash of cultures and the impact of westward movement on Native Americans. "Deadwood" (2004-2006): This critically acclaimed television series depicts the growth of the lawless mining camp of Deadwood, South Dakota, and explores themes of capitalism, greed, and the clash between civilization and the wilderness during the Westward expansion.

1. From 1840 to 1860, an estimated 400,000 settlers journeyed along the Oregon Trail in search of new opportunities and a better life in the West. 2. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 sparked a massive influx of people seeking riches. By 1855, approximately 300,000 gold-seekers, known as "forty-niners," had flocked to California. 3. The Westward expansion led to a significant decline in the buffalo population. In the early 1800s, an estimated 30 million buffalo roamed the Great Plains, but by the late 1880s, hunting and mass slaughter had reduced their numbers to less than 1,000. 4. The Westward expansion resulted in the displacement and forced relocation of Native American tribes. Treaties were often violated, and conflicts such as the Trail of Tears (1838-1839) and the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876) caused significant loss of life and cultural upheaval. 5. Land rushes were exciting events where settlers raced to claim available land. Notable examples include the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889, when over 50,000 people rushed to stake their claims on the newly opened territory. 6. Historian Frederick Jackson Turner declared the frontier "closed" in 1890, as much of the available land had been settled. This marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new phase in American history.

The topic of Westward expansion is highly significant and merits exploration in an essay due to its profound impact on American history and society. Understanding the motivations, events, and consequences of this transformative period provides valuable insights into the shaping of the United States as we know it today. Examining the Westward expansion allows us to delve into the complexities of American expansionism, manifest destiny, and the clash of cultures. It sheds light on the experiences of diverse groups, including Native Americans, settlers, and pioneers, as they navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by westward movement. The essay can explore themes such as land acquisition, territorial disputes, the displacement of indigenous peoples, the growth of cities and industries, and the impact on the environment. Moreover, the Westward expansion continues to resonate in contemporary America. Its legacies are still evident in land ownership, regional identities, cultural diversity, and ongoing debates around issues like resource management and the treatment of Native American communities. By examining this topic, we gain a deeper understanding of the nation's history, its complexities, and the enduring effects of westward expansion on the American identity.

1. Billington, R. A., & Ridge, M. (Eds.). (2001). Westward expansion: A history of the American frontier. University of New Mexico Press. 2. Brown, D. (2017). Bury my heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian history of the American West. Picador. 3. Hine, R. V., Faragher, J. M., & John Mack Faragher (2000). The American West: A new interpretive history. Yale University Press. 4. Hurtado, A. L. (2002). The book of the American West. University of Oklahoma Press. 5. Limerick, P. N. (2000). The legacy of conquest: The unbroken past of the American West. W.W. Norton & Company. 6. Milner II, C. R. (2016). The Oxford history of the American West. Oxford University Press. 7. Parrish, W. E. (Ed.). (2008). The Cambridge companion to the literature of the American West. Cambridge University Press. 8. Paxson, F. L. (1994). The last American frontier. Prentice Hall. 9. White, R. (2011). The middle ground: Indians, empires, and republics in the Great Lakes region, 1650-1815. Cambridge University Press. 10. Worster, D. (2003). Rivers of empire: Water, aridity, and the growth of the American West. Oxford University Press.

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Westward Expansion

By: History.com Editors

Updated: September 30, 2019 | Original: December 15, 2009

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson purchased the territory of Louisiana from the French government for $15 million. The Louisiana Purchase stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from Canada to New Orleans, and it doubled the size of the United States. To Jefferson, westward expansion was the key to the nation’s health: He believed that a republic depended on an independent, virtuous citizenry for its survival, and that independence and virtue went hand in hand with land ownership, especially the ownership of small farms. (“Those who labor in the earth,” he wrote, “are the chosen people of God.”) In order to provide enough land to sustain this ideal population of virtuous yeomen, the United States would have to continue to expand. The westward expansion of the United States is one of the defining themes of 19th-century American history, but it is not just the story of Jefferson’s expanding “empire of liberty.” On the contrary, as one historian writes, in the six decades after the Louisiana Purchase, westward expansion “very nearly destroy[ed] the republic.”

Manifest Destiny

By 1840, nearly 7 million Americans–40 percent of the nation’s population–lived in the trans-Appalachian West. Following a trail blazed by Lewis and Clark , most of these people had left their homes in the East in search of economic opportunity. Like Thomas Jefferson , many of these pioneers associated westward migration, land ownership and farming with freedom. In Europe, large numbers of factory workers formed a dependent and seemingly permanent working class; by contrast, in the United States, the western frontier offered the possibility of independence and upward mobility for all. In 1843, one thousand pioneers took to the Oregon Trail as part of the “ Great Emigration .”

Did you know? In 1853, the Gadsden Purchase added about 30,000 square miles of Mexican territory to the United States and fixed the boundaries of the “lower 48” where they are today.

In 1845, a journalist named John O’Sullivan put a name to the idea that helped pull many pioneers toward the western frontier. Westward migration was an essential part of the republican project, he argued, and it was Americans’ “ manifest destiny ” to carry the “great experiment of liberty” to the edge of the continent: to “overspread and to possess the whole of the [land] which Providence has given us,” O’Sullivan wrote. The survival of American freedom depended on it.

Westward Expansion and Slavery

Meanwhile, the question of whether or not slavery would be allowed in the new western states shadowed every conversation about the frontier. In 1820, the Missouri Compromise had attempted to resolve this question: It had admitted Missouri to the union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, preserving the fragile balance in Congress. More important, it had stipulated that in the future, slavery would be prohibited north of the southern boundary of Missouri (the 36º30’ parallel) in the rest of the Louisiana Purchase .

However, the Missouri Compromise did not apply to new territories that were not part of the Louisiana Purchase, and so the issue of slavery continued to fester as the nation expanded. The Southern economy grew increasingly dependent on “King Cotton” and the system of forced labor that sustained it. Meanwhile, more and more Northerners came to believed that the expansion of slavery impinged upon their own liberty, both as citizens–the pro-slavery majority in Congress did not seem to represent their interests–and as yeoman farmers. They did not necessarily object to slavery itself, but they resented the way its expansion seemed to interfere with their own economic opportunity.

Westward Expansion and the Mexican War

Despite this sectional conflict, Americans kept on migrating West in the years after the Missouri Compromise was adopted. Thousands of people crossed the Rockies to the Oregon Territory, which belonged to Great Britain, and thousands more moved into the Mexican territories of California , New Mexico and Texas . In 1837, American settlers in Texas joined with their Tejano neighbors (Texans of Spanish origin) and won independence from Mexico. They petitioned to join the United States as a slave state.

This promised to upset the careful balance that the Missouri Compromise had achieved, and the annexation of Texas and other Mexican territories did not become a political priority until the enthusiastically expansionist cotton planter James K. Polk was elected to the presidency in 1844. Thanks to the maneuvering of Polk and his allies, Texas joined the union as a slave state in February 1846; in June, after negotiations with Great Britain, Oregon joined as a free state.

That same month, Polk declared war against Mexico , claiming (falsely) that the Mexican army had “invaded our territory and shed American blood on American soil.” The Mexican-American War proved to be relatively unpopular, in part because many Northerners objected to what they saw as a war to expand the “slaveocracy.” In 1846, Pennsylvania Congressman David Wilmot attached a proviso to a war-appropriations bill declaring that slavery should not be permitted in any part of the Mexican territory that the U.S. might acquire. Wilmot’s measure failed to pass, but it made explicit once again the sectional conflict that haunted the process of westward expansion.

Westward Expansion and the Compromise of 1850

In 1848, the Treaty of Guadelupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican War and added more than 1 million square miles, an area larger than the Louisiana Purchase, to the United States. The acquisition of this land re-opened the question that the Missouri Compromise had ostensibly settled: What would be the status of slavery in new American territories? After two years of increasingly volatile debate over the issue, Kentucky Senator Henry Clay proposed another compromise. It had four parts: first, California would enter the Union as a free state; second, the status of slavery in the rest of the Mexican territory would be decided by the people who lived there; third, the slave trade (but not slavery) would be abolished in Washington , D.C.; and fourth, a new Fugitive Slave Act would enable Southerners to reclaim runaway slaves who had escaped to Northern states where slavery was not allowed.

Bleeding Kansas

But the larger question remained unanswered. In 1854, Illinois Senator Stephen A. Douglas proposed that two new states, Kansas and Nebraska , be established in the Louisiana Purchase west of Iowa and Missouri. According to the terms of the Missouri Compromise, both new states would prohibit slavery because both were north of the 36º30’ parallel. However, since no Southern legislator would approve a plan that would give more power to “free-soil” Northerners, Douglas came up with a middle ground that he called “popular sovereignty”: letting the settlers of the territories decide for themselves whether their states would be slave or free.

Northerners were outraged: Douglas, in their view, had caved to the demands of the “slaveocracy” at their expense. The battle for Kansas and Nebraska became a battle for the soul of the nation. Emigrants from Northern and Southern states tried to influence the vote. For example, thousands of Missourians flooded into Kansas in 1854 and 1855 to vote (fraudulently) in favor of slavery. “Free-soil” settlers established a rival government, and soon Kansas spiraled into civil war. Hundreds of people died in the fighting that ensued, known as “ Bleeding Kansas .”

A decade later, the civil war in Kansas over the expansion of slavery was followed by a national civil war over the same issue. As Thomas Jefferson had predicted, it was the question of slavery in the West–a place that seemed to be the emblem of American freedom–that proved to be “the knell of the union.”

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Course: US history   >   Unit 6

• The Gold Rush
• The Homestead Act and the exodusters
• The reservation system
• The Dawes Act
• Chinese immigrants and Mexican Americans in the age of westward expansion
• The Indian Wars and the Battle of the Little Bighorn
• The Ghost Dance and Wounded Knee

Westward expansion: economic development

• Westward expansion: social and cultural development
• The American West
• Land, mining, and improved transportation by rail brought settlers to the American West during the Gilded Age.
• New agricultural machinery allowed farmers to increase crop yields with less labor, but falling prices and rising expenses left them in debt.
• Farmers began to organize in local and regional cooperatives like the Grange and the Farmers’ Alliance to promote their interests.

Who owns the West?

Developing the west.

• (Choice A)   Railroads led to the discovery of profitable minerals. A Railroads led to the discovery of profitable minerals.
• (Choice B)   Railroads brought more people to the East Coast. B Railroads brought more people to the East Coast.
• (Choice C)   Railroads allowed farmers to sell their goods in distant markets. C Railroads allowed farmers to sell their goods in distant markets.

Farmers in an industrial age

The grange and the farmers’ alliance, what do you think.

• The Homestead Act , 1862.
• See OpenStax, The Westward Spirit , U.S. History, OpenStax CNX, 2019.
• See David M. Kennedy and Lizabeth Cohen, The American Pageant: A History of the American People, 15th (AP) Edition, (Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, 2013), 584-585.
• Kennedy and Cohen, The American Pageant , 512-513.
• See Eric Foner, Give Me Liberty!: An American History, 5th AP Edition (New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2016), 593.
• Kennedy and Cohen, The American Pageant , 594-596.
• Kennedy and Cohen, The American Pageant , 596-598.
• See Foner, Give Me Liberty! , 641-643.

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National Geographic Education Blog

Bring the spirit of exploration to your classroom.

What is Westward Expansion?

During the 19th Century, more than 1.6 million square kilometers (a million square miles) of land west of the Mississippi River was acquired by the United States federal government. This led to a widespread migration west, referred to as Westward Expansion.

A variety of factors contributed to Westward Expansion, including population growth and economic opportunities on what was presented to be available land.

Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was settlers’ God-given duty and right to settle the North American continent. The notion of Manifest Destiny contributed to why European settlers felt they had a right to claim land, both inhabited and uninhabited, in western North America. They believed it was the white man’s destiny to prosper and spread Christianity by claiming and controlling land.

Manifest Destiny was used to validate the Indian Removal Acts , which occurred in the 1830s. Such legislation forced the removal of Native Americans and helped clear the way for non-native settlers to claim land in the west. When the settlers reached land populated or previously promised to Native Americans, they had no qualms claiming it for their own benefit.

It was not just spiritual prosperity that inspired settlers—outright moneymaking opportunities also motivated Westward Expansion.

Throughout most of the 19th century, there were two main ways to make money west of the Mississippi River: through gold and silver prospecting, and through developing land for agriculture, industry, or urban growth. These two activities often supported each other. In California, for instance, the actuality of “ striking it rich ” was quite short-lived, although immigrants continued to populate the new state and contribute to its agricultural and economic growth well after gold fields were discovered there in 1848.

The idea of “free land” was fairly short-lived as well. By 1890, the U.S. Census reported that there were so many permanent settlements west of the Mississippi that a western “frontier” no longer existed in the United States.

This declaration inspired a young historian, Frederick Jackson Turner, to write his famous “Frontier Thesis.” Turner claimed the “close of the frontier” was symbolic. He  asserted that Westward Expansion was the most defining characteristic of American identity to date. With the close of the frontier, he thought, America was that much more “American”—liberated from European customs and attitudes surrounding social class, intellectual culture, and violence.

Many historians criticize the Frontier Thesis, and many reject the idea of an American “frontier” (which Turner described as “the meeting point between savagery and civilization”) entirely. These historians recognize that the “free land” that defined Westward Expansion came at a severe cost to Native American and Spanish-speaking populations, as well as more recent immigrants from Asia (who migrated east, across the Pacific). The Frontier Thesis ignores the development and evolution of these identities almost entirely.

To delve deeper into this complex period of American history, check out our curated resource collection page  on Westward Expansion  at the National Geographic Resource Library .

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Westward Expansion (1807-1912)

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Suggested Essay Topics

How had Andrew Jackson become convinced of the necessity of Indian removal by 1829? Describe some of his earlier experiences with the Indians and the ideology resulting from them.

What were some problems experienced by earlier western settler which were solved by the transportation revolution and how were they solved?

Describe the attitude of the developed East toward the settlers of the West. How did this attitude and the rivalry it spawned factor in the development of the identity of the West?

What was the role of legend in the settlement of the Far West?

What were the concept of Manifest Destiny's ideological origins? What part did the concept of Manifest Destiny play in the push to settle the West?

Explain the significance of the case of Worcester v. Georgia , both in relation to the project of Indian expansion and as it relates to the development of the federal government of the United States.

It is often said that the settlers of the trans-Mississippi West formed tighter community bonds than did Eastern inhabitants. What is the evidence in support of this statement, and what conditions of the West produced this result?

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Home / Essay Samples / History / History of The United States / Westward Expansion

Westward Expansion Essay Examples

Westward expansion as a cause of the civil war.

The American Civil War, a defining moment in U.S. history, was a complex and multifaceted conflict with a range of underlying causes. While slavery is often identified as the primary cause of the war, westward expansion played a significant and intertwined role in escalating tensions...

The Features of Westward Expansion from 1860 to 1890

The human civilization is known to have been marked by various events that influenced the social, economic as well as political growth throughout the world. One such event is the Westward Expansion, which comprises a collection of events that took place in the Western Territories...

Manifest Destiny - as the Careless Attempt to Expand Own Territory

Before Europeans came to invade the Americas, the country as a whole was a peaceful place filled with all sorts of natural wealth and where natives have settled. Here, we would find many different civilizations and empires settled in places like Mesoamerica and the Andes....

The Influence of Civil War, Reconstruction and Westward Expansion on America

Throughout history, events, whether big or small, have changed the fate of humanity in some way, shape or form. This applies to anything, including our country, The United States of America. Throughout its 243 year long run, it has adapted and changed to the world...

The Outcomes of Westward Expansion for the United States

In the early 1800’s, as our young country was still forming its ideals and vision, a great movement westward was born from exploration efforts and a large purchase of land from the French known as the “Louisiana Purchase.” As the boundaries of our country broadened,...

Changes in America During the Westward Expansion

The title of this essay is Westward Expansion. That is the westward expansion of America to be exact. It is common knowledge that when these great states were founded, everything went west from there. In 1860 only the east coast was inhabited by the 13...

 antebellum Art and Perspectives on Westward Expansion 

In this essay I intend to look at American landscape paintings from artists throughout the Antebellum period to better understand how the American view on westward expansion may have played a role in the attitude many Americans had towards landscape paintings. How the artist’s views...

Westward Expansion: Effects of Manifest Destiny on Native Americans

While most people believe that the idea of Manifest Destiny was primarily beneficial for American citizens, it ultimately did more harm than good, as many conflicts with the land, people, and animals arose with Native Americans. White settlers moving west found that the Native Americans...

The Challenges Posed by the Westward Expansion for the American Society

After the Civil War, many individuals decided to move westward in hopes of better economic opportunities as well as their beliefs in the Manifest Destiny. Prior to the Westward Expansion, many settlers believed that the territory in the west was a wasteland and only fit...

The Importance of the Westward Expansion for the United States

The United States were destined to expand westward since the U.S.A was gaining people and the U.S. needed more land to benefit the U.S. As growing population, The Westward expansion connected the U.S. to the “Great Western Ocean' allowing more trade. According to Senator Lewis...

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About Westward Expansion

Western Territories of the United States

Westward expansion was the the 19th-century movement of settlers into the American West, which began with the Louisiana Purchase and was fueled by the Gold Rush, the Oregon Trail and a belief in "manifest destiny."

In 1893 historian Frederick Jackson Turner declared the frontier closed, citing the 1890 census as evidence, and with that, the period of westward expansion ended.

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