During the first half of the 19th century the United States grew dramatically in power and geographical size. The United States firmly believed in the idea of manifest destiny , and that the nation was destined to expand across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. Once travelers began arriving, the population significantly increased. However, this caused many problems with the United States government and created unrest across the country. The westward movement during the first half of the 19th century created many political, social and moral issues that have shaped our modern society into what it is today.
Initially, the United States doubled its land mass from the Louisiana Purchase (Document C). Issues began when the land was first divided. …show more content…
Many Americans had conflicting interpretations of the manifest destiny. Some believed that America would reach its greatness if it remained free in its new territory. Others completely disagreed. “Its floor shall be a hemisphere-its roof the firmament of the star-studded heavens, and its congregation an Union of many Republics, comprising hundreds of happy millions, calling owning no man master, but governed by God’s natural and moral law of equality, the law of brotherhood- of peace “and goodwill amongst men (Document D). It became clear in the beginning of westward expansion that many settlers intended to expand slavery into the new land. This also caused political issues between the north and south over the morality behind slavery. Document B goes into detail describing the effect of these disputes. It states “The ruffians have burnt every Free State man’s house in Leavenworth, pressed the men into their service, at the peril of their lives, driven the women and children, with just the clothes on their backs, into the boats and sent them down the River”. Document G describes how slavery still existed on the frontier. “Sometimes the owner rides with his wife and children in a special wagon, sometimes in a coach, or he ries on horseback. If he has male slaves, one of these will be the driver”. These issues regarding slavery relate to our society today because there is still race discrimination and …show more content…
Document I, a story from the western frontier explains how those new to the territory lived on government controlled land in difficult conditions. “Happy Valley seems to derive its name from the merry character of its citizens who all live in tens, doing their own cooking and washing, and sleeping on the ground. The ground is owned by the government and is reserved for a navy yard”. Those who lived on the frontier faced many difficult situations, especially because of the social class differences. “I think Margaret has written often but owing to the disarrangement of the Post Office and the distance that I am from one, 50 miles, makes it very difficult to get letters. I got one from Fulton a short time ago (Document H). Finally, Document E discusses the gender inequality faced by women in the 19th century. It states “Your make some important inquiries concerning my treatment of my previous child, Alice Clarissa, now laying by me a lifeless lump of clay”. These issues relate to the modern society because they are still relevant today and the struggle for gender equality is still
Initially, the United States doubled its land mass from the Louisiana Purchase (Document C). Issues began when the land was first divided. …show more content…
Many Americans had conflicting interpretations of the manifest destiny. Some believed that America would reach its greatness if it remained free in its new territory. Others completely disagreed. “Its floor shall be a hemisphere-its roof the firmament of the star-studded heavens, and its congregation an Union of many Republics, comprising hundreds of happy millions, calling owning no man master, but governed by God’s natural and moral law of equality, the law of brotherhood- of peace “and goodwill amongst men (Document D). It became clear in the beginning of westward expansion that many settlers intended to expand slavery into the new land. This also caused political issues between the north and south over the morality behind slavery. Document B goes into detail describing the effect of these disputes. It states “The ruffians have burnt every Free State man’s house in Leavenworth, pressed the men into their service, at the peril of their lives, driven the women and children, with just the clothes on their backs, into the boats and sent them down the River”. Document G describes how slavery still existed on the frontier. “Sometimes the owner rides with his wife and children in a special wagon, sometimes in a coach, or he ries on horseback. If he has male slaves, one of these will be the driver”. These issues regarding slavery relate to our society today because there is still race discrimination and …show more content…
Document I, a story from the western frontier explains how those new to the territory lived on government controlled land in difficult conditions. “Happy Valley seems to derive its name from the merry character of its citizens who all live in tens, doing their own cooking and washing, and sleeping on the ground. The ground is owned by the government and is reserved for a navy yard”. Those who lived on the frontier faced many difficult situations, especially because of the social class differences. “I think Margaret has written often but owing to the disarrangement of the Post Office and the distance that I am from one, 50 miles, makes it very difficult to get letters. I got one from Fulton a short time ago (Document H). Finally, Document E discusses the gender inequality faced by women in the 19th century. It states “Your make some important inquiries concerning my treatment of my previous child, Alice Clarissa, now laying by me a lifeless lump of clay”. These issues relate to the modern society because they are still relevant today and the struggle for gender equality is still