Age of Democracy & Progress

Main Idea: The United States expands to the \Pacific Ocean. The Civil War ends slavery, preserves the Union, and speeds the industrial development of the North. After the war, the country experiences an unprecedented economic boom.

III. US Expansion & Crisis

A. Background: won independence in 1783; Mississippi River was the western border; acquired new territory for settlement

B. Western Expansion: Manifest Destiny—right and duty to rule North America (Atlantic to Pacific)

Victims: Native Americans—Indian Removal Act of 1830—Trail of Tears

1. 1803—Louisiana Purchase; Jefferson

2. 1818—complete Northern border; treaty with Britain

3. 1819—Florida

4. 1846—Oregon Territory; treaty with Britain

5. 1848—Mexican Cession; War with Mexico

6. 1853—Gadsden Purchase; Mexico

C. Civil War (1860-1865)

1. Industrial North vs. Agricultural South

2. Emancipation Proclamation bans slavery in Confederate states

3. After CW, Southern state laws limit freedom and opportunity for African Americans

D. Reconstruction

1. Economic boom is fueled by immigration, railroads, and the opening of the West

2. US becomes world leader