Chapter 5: The Expanding Nation

Chapter 5 focuses on the significant changes the maturing United States went through during the early nineteenth century.

Section 1 relates the effects of westward expansion on the Native Americans. In the early 1800s, the Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States and expanded the western boundary. Even though the Northwest Ordinance formally acknowledged Native American territorial rights, white settlers encroached onto Native American land. Native American resistance was crushed with the federal government's use of force. Even the Cherokee, who used written laws in an attempt to peacefully resolve conflicts over land, were rebuffed. Defeated by the federal government, Native Americans began moving across the Mississippi River, away from white settlers.

Section 2 explores the growth of the American economy during the 1800s. During the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s, the factories that sprang up throughout the Northeast employed women, children, and immigrants. Once a nation of farmers producing their own goods, the United States became a nation of wage-earning laborers who purchased factory-made goods. The need to transport manufactured goods led to the construction of turnpikes, canals, and railroads. When Congress passed a series of tariffs that protected the nation's young industries, regional reaction to legislation made it clear that the growing economy was creating tensions between the different sections of the nation.

Section 3 describes how events of the early 1800s led to significant political and social changes in the United States. In Andrew Jackson, voters found a common politician from the Western frontier who espoused states' rights and shunned moneyed aristocracy. When Jackson was elected President in 1828, he brought a different style of governing to Washington. Disputes between the North and South continued to fester during his administration. Jackson's strong views sometimes provoked controversy, but his humble beginnings made Americans believe that power and success were available to everyone. Encouraged to take action, some people organized groups to reform society's problems.