Growth of the United States Between 1818 and 1860 (Essay Sample)

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Growth of the United States Between1818 and 1860
The development and geographical growth of a nation usually follows a deep political drive by its people to expand. Such a drive may be inspired by a need for freedom, or political and economical power. Driven by the desire for more land and economic motives, Americans saw it best to expand their territory westwards to the Pacific Ocean. This sparked an unprecedented national growth spanning about 40 years. The growth of USA between 1818 and 1860 was impressive and formed the foundation for the country’s economic and political power.
A spirit of nationalism swept over America after the 1812 war against the British and Indian alliance. With optimism, the Americans headed west in large numbers in what was later to be called ‘Manifest Destiny’. The belief in America’s superiority as a race inspired this great move aimed at spreading civilization and America’s values across the continent. In 1819, the Adams-Onis treaty was signed between Spain and America. Before this event Spain, who had colonized Mexico, had deep internal problems and their control over their colonies was week. Faced with a possibility to lose Florida, Spanish foreign secretary; Onis, had no option but to negotiate with America’s secretary of State through a treaty where America and Spain shared territories (O'Brien 73). Spain retained possession of Texas, California and New Mexico. America, on the other hand gained possession of Oregon.
The 1820 Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state. Maine was declared a free state. In doing so, America sought to balance the power between free states and slave states in the congress. This law also prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Territory. Later in 1854, the Missouri Compromise was repealed leading to the Kansas-Nebraska Act. The Missouri Compromise was then dismissed three years later by the Supreme Court.
In the early 1820s, Americans started migrating into Mexican Texas after the Mexican Government invited them hoping to increase the population of Texas. Soon, Anglo-Americans became the majority and showed preference to their own rules than the Mexican rules such as slavery rules. Texas then declared independence sparking war between America and Mexico. The war ended in 1836 resulting in the annexation of Texas, which was declared the 28th state in 1845.
Perhaps one of the most significant events in shaping an American state was the great California gold rush. In 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold in the American River. News of this discovery spread fast and led to massive influx of immigrants into California from the rest of America and other countries. California’s population increased dramatical...