Expansionism Dbq
Kibby 1
Pierce Kibby
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Expansionism DBQ
APUSH
Expansionism Throughout American history, growth has always been present in industry, economics, technology and many other fronts. This of course began when the first European settlers of America came from England. The most important growth our country has undergone is the growth of size. Starting at a few settlements and evolving into a world power in just a few hundred years illustrates the rate at which this country has grown. Though the times changed the reasons for expansionism remain similar. Expansionism, old and new, has its roots in social beliefs, politics, and military strength. Expansionism has been social motivated since the beginning of history. It is the initial reason why the pilgrims left England. They left to escape persecution because of their beliefs. As the British flocked to America, the sense of equality causing expansionism disappears until the Mormons went to Utah in the 19th century. That sense of social equality changed to arrogance. This led to the pushing out of Indians from their native homes. That is a motif throughout American history, until the ending of the Indian wars in the late 1800’s. The feeling of American superiority as a reason for expansionism is shown by a book written by Josiah strong Our Country: Its Possible Future and Present Crisis. His book states Americans have the greatest wealth, numbers and civilization so why would foreign nations not want us to rule them. This is seen at the earliest stages of American expansion, with the pushing of the Indians and Americans forcing their culture and way of life on to the natives. The natives strongly opposed this and that is reflected in the Indian wars. Natives fought tooth and nail for their land but Americans technological superiority defeated them. The theme of arrogance was also seen in manifest destiny,
Kibby 2 which another cause for pushing the Indians out.
Pierce Kibby
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Expansionism DBQ
APUSH
Expansionism Throughout American history, growth has always been present in industry, economics, technology and many other fronts. This of course began when the first European settlers of America came from England. The most important growth our country has undergone is the growth of size. Starting at a few settlements and evolving into a world power in just a few hundred years illustrates the rate at which this country has grown. Though the times changed the reasons for expansionism remain similar. Expansionism, old and new, has its roots in social beliefs, politics, and military strength. Expansionism has been social motivated since the beginning of history. It is the initial reason why the pilgrims left England. They left to escape persecution because of their beliefs. As the British flocked to America, the sense of equality causing expansionism disappears until the Mormons went to Utah in the 19th century. That sense of social equality changed to arrogance. This led to the pushing out of Indians from their native homes. That is a motif throughout American history, until the ending of the Indian wars in the late 1800’s. The feeling of American superiority as a reason for expansionism is shown by a book written by Josiah strong Our Country: Its Possible Future and Present Crisis. His book states Americans have the greatest wealth, numbers and civilization so why would foreign nations not want us to rule them. This is seen at the earliest stages of American expansion, with the pushing of the Indians and Americans forcing their culture and way of life on to the natives. The natives strongly opposed this and that is reflected in the Indian wars. Natives fought tooth and nail for their land but Americans technological superiority defeated them. The theme of arrogance was also seen in manifest destiny,
Kibby 2 which another cause for pushing the Indians out.