麻豆APP

Cityscape during Nighttime Near Body of Water and Sail Boat photo by Pixabay-.

10 Interesting Facts about the National Expansion and Reform, 1815 鈥� 1880

The American nation underwent significant development and expansion throughout the National Expansion and Reform Era (1815鈥�1880). During this time in American history, new industries arose, democracy extended across the country, and the population of the country increased.

This period saw numerous important changes that influenced how the United States is organized today, from the development of the railroad network to the enactment of the Homestead Act. So, to give you a better understanding of this time period, here are ten interesting facts:

also, read more about THE TOP 15 HISTORICAL FACTS ABOUT THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

1. The period of National Expansion and Reform is also known as the 鈥�era of Manifest Destiny鈥�

City Street Photo Photo by Nout Gons-.

The territorial expansion of the United States between 1812 and 1867 is most frequently linked to the concept of “manifest destiny.” The “age of manifest destiny” is the period from the War of 1812 until the purchase of Alaska in 1867.

In large part, the frontiers of the continental United States as we know them today were defined during this period when the United States expanded to the Pacific Ocean, “from sea to shining sea.”

But the phrase was first used by America, which thought that expanding its boundaries over North America was a divinely mandated task.

2. One of the most significant events of the era was the passage of the Homestead Act in 1862

Statue of Liberty photo by Pixabay-.

The Homestead Act, passed in 1862 during the Civil War, allowed any adult citizen or intending citizen who had never engaged in armed conflict with the American government to claim 160 acres of surveyed public land.

Claimants had to occupy the property, maintain it by farming, and otherwise “improve” it. The original filer was entitled to the property, free and clear, excepting a minor registration charge, after five years on the land. Additionally, the title might be obtained with just a six-month stay and little modifications if the claimant paid the government $1.25 per acre.

Union troops could exempt the period they had served from the residence requirements after the Civil War. Furthermore, the Homestead Act accelerated the expansion of the United States western territories as well as the growth of the nation鈥檚 agricultural economy

learn more about THE 10 FACTS ABOUT THE SPACE RACE DURING THE COLD WAR.

3. The rapid expansion of Railroads during the era of National Expansion and Reform was a major factor in the growth of the Nation鈥檚 Economy

Full Moon on Capitol Hill Washington photo by Pixabay-.

Railroad building in the United States greatly surged starting in the early 1870s. Approximately 45,000 miles of track had been built before 1871. A further 170,000 miles were added to the expanding railroad network of the country between 1871 and 1900.

The construction of the transcontinental railroads is responsible for a large portion of the expansion. The Pacific Railway Act, passed by Congress in 1862, gave the go-ahead for the construction of a transcontinental railroad.

On May 10, 1869, the first railroad of this type was finished. Four more transcontinental railroads connected the Pacific Coast with the eastern states by 1900. Moreover, the railroads allowed for the transportation of goods, people, and ideas between distant parts of the country enabling the growth of commerce and industry.

4. The National Expansion and Reform also saw the emergence of New industries such as Steel and Oil

High Angle Shot Of Golden Gate Bridge At Night photo by Alex Azabache-.

The United States became a global industrial power in the decades that followed the Civil War. Numerous new sectors, such as steel production, electrical generation, and petroleum refining, developed as many older ones grew.

Railroads significantly increased in size, integrating even rural areas of the nation into a market economy. American society was altered by industrial progress. It created a thriving middle class and a new class of affluent industrialists.

Additionally, a significantly larger blue-collar working class was created. Millions of recently arrived immigrants and much more migrants from rural areas made up the workforce that enabled industrialization. The diversity of American society increased more than ever.

find out more about THE 15 FAMOUS PEOPLE THAT WENT TO DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY.

5. In 1846 the United States declared war on Mexico and won the Mexican-American war

The TREATY OF GUADALUPE-HIDALGO marked the official end of the Mexican-American war. The contested area of Texas, New Mexico, California, and Arizona were all given to the United States.

$15 million was given to the Mexican government, the same amount given to France for the Louisiana Territory. A significant victory was achieved by the US Army. Despite losing 13,000 soldiers, the military prevailed in every battle throughout the conflict. Mexico lost half of its land and was not comforted by the financial agreement.

6. The National Expansion and Reform era also saw the growth of the nation鈥檚 population

Migration to the West, technical advancements, and rapid economic growth propelled the nation forward even as they threatened to split it apart.

The country widened its borders to include areas occupied by American Indians, France, and Mexico, annexing millions of acres and tens of thousands of people. Additionally, this time period saw the U.S. rise to prominence as a major world force.

7. The US acquired Alaska from Russia in 1867

The United States and Russia came to an agreement on March 30, 1867, for the United States to pay $7.2 million for Alaska. It’s interesting to note that Alaska was once viewed negatively, but the U.S. eventually grew to value it highly because it gave them access to the Arctic Ocean.

However, Secretary of State William Seward and Russian Minister to the United States Edouard de Stoeckl worked out the terms of the Treaty with Russia and signed it. The agreement to buy Alaska was derided as “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Icebox” by opponents.

read more about THE 20 BEST COLD WAR MOVIES YOU SHOULD WATCH.

8. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 removed Native Americans from their homes         

Thousands of Native Americans were forcibly relocated in what became known as the Trail of Tears after Congress approved the Indian Removal Act on March 28, 1830.

The US military forcibly relocated around 46,000 Native Americans from their homes in “Indian Territory,” which later became the state of Oklahoma, to “Indian Territory.”

Due to illness, malnutrition, and exposure to harsh weather, more than 4,000 people perished on the voyage. From Tennessee to Oklahoma, the Trail of Tears is now a National Historic Trail.

9. The US acquired Hawaii in 1898

The Hawaiian Islands were formally annexed by the United States on July 7, 1898, following the passage of House Joint Resolution 259, also known as the “Newlands Resolution,” by the 55th Congress, 2nd session.

Sanford Dole was appointed as the territory of Hawaii’s first governor. It’s interesting that the acquisition caused controversy since some people claimed it amounted to imperialism.

Nevertheless, it gave the US sovereignty over the Pacific Ocean and created new economic possibilities.

10. The US fought in the Spanish- American War in 1898

Spanish colonial rule in the Americas came to an end after the Spanish-American War, which took place between the United States and Spain in 1898.

As a result, the United States acquired territories in the western Pacific and Latin America. Additionally, this war was fought to bolster US influence in the Pacific and the Caribbean.

learn more about the 10 CHILLING CONFLICTS THAT HAPPENED DURING THE COLD WAR.