Manifest Destiny: A Principal Factor In Facilitating Westward Expansion?
A principal factor in facilitating westward expansion was the attitude propagated by the government and sold to the citizens of the nation. This attitude of forging a new destiny and seeking economic prosperity at any cost was known as Manifest destiny and served as a justification for Americans to expand regardless of any obstacles in their way. The phrase was coined in the July 1845 Democratic Review article “Annexation” by editor John O’Sullivan, who wrote “manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.” (pg.1) The idea of Manifest destiny was a powerful American ideal that tied together the breadth of liberty and imperialism in the name of patriotism. Propaganda was a powerful tool used to sell the idea of the American dream
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This included the Homestead Act of 1862 which granted federal land to families who were willing to travel to the West and establish farms and houses. For poor families, and the every man, the prospect of owning land and being incentivized for it was deeply opportunistic. Congress also passed the Timber Culture Act of 1873 which allowed homesteaders to claim 160 additional acres if they would plant trees on 1/4 of the land within 4 years. This helped to stimulate the speed and rapid growth that would occur for farmers in the West. Furthermore, the Desert Land Act of 1877 allowed the purchase of 640 acres, if irrigated within three years. The Timber and Stone act of 1873 helped to include those who were living on land that could not be cultivated by allowing the purchase of 160 acres of forest land for $2.50 an acre, which was affordable for many families. Although most land was acquired by wealthy investors, these opportunities provided an early example of social mobility for families who were able to use government policies and new land to their
This included the Homestead Act of 1862 which granted federal land to families who were willing to travel to the West and establish farms and houses. For poor families, and the every man, the prospect of owning land and being incentivized for it was deeply opportunistic. Congress also passed the Timber Culture Act of 1873 which allowed homesteaders to claim 160 additional acres if they would plant trees on 1/4 of the land within 4 years. This helped to stimulate the speed and rapid growth that would occur for farmers in the West. Furthermore, the Desert Land Act of 1877 allowed the purchase of 640 acres, if irrigated within three years. The Timber and Stone act of 1873 helped to include those who were living on land that could not be cultivated by allowing the purchase of 160 acres of forest land for $2.50 an acre, which was affordable for many families. Although most land was acquired by wealthy investors, these opportunities provided an early example of social mobility for families who were able to use government policies and new land to their