Westward Expansion: Was it Destiny To Move West?

How did the concept Manifest Destiny influence westward expansion?

Answer explanation

The idea of Manifest Destiny influenced America's western migration by promoting it and causing it to occur quickly. Manifest Destiny was the ideology that God had given Americans the land all the way to the Pacific Ocean and that it was their right and duty to settle in it. This led to a great number of Native Americans being driven out of their lands or killed.

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8.G.1.5

What were the primary reasons for westward expansion?

Answer explanation

Answers may vary: primary reasons for Westward expansion were acquiring land cheaply, mining for Gold and silver, opportunities to become cowboys.

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8.G.1.3

What was the key ideology that characterized westward expansion? (a)   , (b)   , and (c)   .

• A belief that White Americans were superior

• Native Americans kept their land

• John O'Sullivan coined the term Manifest Destiny

• There was gold out west

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8.G.1.3

What type of document is this? (Sourcing).

• A political cartoon

• A diary

• Political message

• A newspaper ad

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I.1.4

What do other documents say about this source? (corroboration).

• some agree that expansion could cause war.

• Some disagree that expansion would cause war.

• The Native Americans don't want a war.

• Everyone wants another war.

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I.1.5

What were the main motivations for individuals to head west during the expansion?

• The chance to purchase affordable land.

• The aspiration to become cowboys.

• The California Gold Rush.

• To profit from the slave trade.

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8.G.1.2

What symbols are being used in this document to persuade his audience? (Close reading).

Answer explanation

The image literally shows the president as a war machine. He sits on a wheeled gun-carriage, with his various limbs and body parts in the form of cannon shells and barrels shooting "gas" and shot. Over his head he waves a bloody saber labeled "Manifest Destiny," signaling how strongly Westward expansion could lead to war.

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I.1.4

Why do you think this image was created? (Contextualization). ​ ​ ​ ​ (a)   ​ (b)   ​

• To convince miners to go back home.
• belief that westward expansion could start a war.
• The president was against expansion.
• Moving west creates opportunities for natives.

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I.1.5

What message do you think this image is trying to convey?

• Moving out west could lead to war.

• There are many opportunities out west.

• The president is making people move out west.

• He is eager to move westward.

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I.1.5

Evaluate the reliability of the image as a historical source. What limitations might it have as a source for understanding historical events?

Answer explanation

The limitations this source may have is the fact that this image is just projecting one perspective on Westward Expansion. It excludes other races and their perspectives.

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I.1.8