Manifest Destiny: The Rapid Westward Expansion Of The United States

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Prior to the War for Independence, the colonists began to cobble together an ideology that would become known as Revolutionary Republicanism from British political thought, the theories of the Enlightenment and their own experiences that would shape the nation’s ideas on freedom and liberty. (Nash, et al., 2007., p. 143) Coupling this school of thought with the rise of utopian communities like Oneida and the Shakers, which they themselves, drew upon the earlier ideas of Puritan and Quaker utopianism. (Nash, et al., 2007., p. 357) The Oneida and Shakers shared and revitalized the Puritan focus on the welfare of the community and the belief in transcending personal ambitions and wealth as well as societal reform. (Nash, et al., 2007., pp. 67, 357) These ideas combined with the ever present belief in American exceptionalism gave rise to the concept of Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny was the driving force behind the rapid westward expansion of the United States in the nineteenth century as it was the expression of the belief that there was a “God-given” right to to spread across the continent. (Nash, et al., 2007., p. 379) …show more content…

The building of railroads, canals and turnpikes cut travel times and prices as they connected far-flung cities together. (Nash, et al., 2007., p. 283) In addition to industrialization people were attracted westward by new opportunities such as land speculation, becoming a doctor or lawyer on the frontier, some were drawn by mining wanting to get rich off the natural resources. (Nash, et al., 2007., pp. 388,