Westward Expansion. Theme and relevance in American History
Title: Westward Expansion. Theme and relevance in American History Category:History / North American History Details: Words: 4136 | Pages: 17.6 (approximately 235 words/page)
Westward Expansion. Theme and relevance in American History
The Westward Expansion has often been regarded as the central theme of American
history, down to the end of the19th century and as the main factor in the shaping of
American history. As Frederick Jackson Turner says, the greatest force or influence in
shaping American democracy and society had been that there was so much free land in
America and this profoundly affected American society. Motives After the revolution, the
winning of independence opened up the Western country and was hence followed by a
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…showed last 85 words of 4136 total…also weakened state
and regional loyalties and promoted national unity due to its inherent mobility. Most
westerners thought of themselves primarily as Americans, and wanted strong national
government with broad powers for developing transportation and promoting the general
welfare. The most significant feature of the Westward Expansion was that the pioneers
took with them the essential institutions of their civilization. Thus we must look upon the
Westward Expansion as one of the factors in the shaping of the American civilization but
not the only one.
