Early American Settlers and Indigenous Peoples

Early American settlers frequently clashed with indigenous peoples, resulting in the acquisition of large areas of land

Indian Removal Act of 1830

Trail of Tears

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized the forced relocation of Native Americans, resulting in the infamous Trail of Tears

Manifest Destiny and Ideology of Expansion

The concept of manifest destiny, the belief in the expansion of the U.S. across the North American continent, justified and propelled the expansionist agenda

Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was a relatively peaceful acquisition of a large territory

Mexican-American War

Annexation of Mexican Territory

The Mexican-American War of 1846-1848 resulted in the U.S. annexing a vast territory, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Texas

Filibuster Expeditions and Political Maneuvers

The expansionist movement also saw filibuster expeditions and political maneuvers aimed at extending U.S. influence into Mexico and Central America

Thomas Jefferson and the "Great Empire of Liberty"

Key figures such as Thomas Jefferson envisioned the U.S. as a "great empire of liberty" that would populate the continent

Indian Removal Act of 1830

The pursuit of territorial expansion was exemplified by the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which led to the displacement and deaths of thousands of Native Americans

Mexican-American War and Fulfillment of Manifest Destiny

The Mexican-American War, opposed by anti-imperialist factions, resulted in the U.S. extending its borders to the Pacific Ocean, fulfilling a key aspect of the manifest destiny vision

California Gold Rush and Native American Genocide

The influx of settlers during the California Gold Rush had dire consequences for indigenous populations, leading to what is now recognized as the California Genocide

Treaties and Conflicts in the Great Plains

Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851

The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 attempted to establish peace by delineating territories for Native American tribes, but was often violated due to the discovery of gold and the westward push of settlers

Sand Creek Massacre and Great Sioux War

Notable events such as the Sand Creek Massacre and the Great Sioux War highlighted the violent confrontations between the U.S. military and Native American tribes in the Great Plains

Monroe Doctrine and American Policy

The Monroe Doctrine, a cornerstone of American foreign policy, justified U.S. intervention in neighboring countries and laid the foundation for future territorial expansion within the hemisphere