Meaning Of American Progress By John Gast

The painting American Progress, created by John Gast in 1872, was produced during a time of significant change and expansion in the United States. It was painted during the era known as Manifest Destiny, a period of American history that lasted from the 1840s to the 1890s, at the time of which there was an extensive belief among Americans that it was their godly mission to expand the United States across the North American continent. At the time the painting was created, the United States had just come from the Civil War and was in the middle of Reconstruction. The country was quickly growing and developing, with new industries, transportation systems, and urban centers evolving across the nation. The painting reflects this era of progress

The inclusion of New York City and the rising sun in the painting is significant because it suggests that the United States is a young and vibrant country, full of promise and potential. At the time the painting was created in 1872, New York City was rapidly becoming the largest and most important city in the United States, and it was seen as a symbol of American economic and cultural power. By including New York City in the painting, John Gast is suggesting that the city is a beacon of progress and civilization, and that it is leading the way towards a brighter future for the United States. The rising sun is also a powerful symbol of hope and renewal, and it suggests that the United States is a country that is always moving forward, always striving for progress and improvement. By showing the rising sun behind New York City, John Gast is highlighting the idea that the United States is a country on the rise, full of energy and vitality, and that it is placed for even greater success in the future. The inclusion of New York City and the rising sun in "American Progress" symbolizes the painter's optimism about the future of the United States and his belief that the country is destined for

John Gast also does not show the social and economic challenges that many pioneers and settlers faced as they moved west, such as poverty, disease, and isolation. Finally, the painting also does not show the contributions of diverse groups of people who played important roles in westward expansion, such as Mexican Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans. This absence suggests that John Gast had a thin and unrealistic view of American progress and was not interested in acknowledging the contributions and experiences of these groups. So, while "American Progress" celebrates the achievements and triumphs of westward expansion, its omissions and absences suggest that John Gast's concept of American progress was incomplete and completely