When the Thirteen Colonies declared independence from Great Britain in 1776, the colonies extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains. As the newly-formed country grew and prospered, it extended all the way to the Mississippi River. This line of expansion defined much of the frontier of the United States. How did the original 13 colonies extend to become the Mississippi River, and what were the consequences?
Whereas the colonies initially declared their independence from Britain in the Declaration of Independence, most of the mapping of the Territory of the United States happened during the early 19th century. Starting in 1803, President Thomas Jefferson acquired an immense tract of land from France with the Louisiana Purchase. This purchase, comprising the entire area from The West bank of the Mississippi River and parts of the Gulf Coast, became a hugely contentious issue, and it remains so even today. This purchase led to prompt exploration of the boundaries of the newly-acquired Territory, and it officially marked the boundaries of the United States.
This purchase, controversial though it was, opened up the vast resources of the West to settlers. Despite the legal, ethical, and practical issues raised by the Purchase, the vast majority of settlers viewed it as an opportunity to expand their access to land. The availability of land drew a massive influx of settlers, including a large number of immigrants, to the West. The demand for land was so incessant that laws had to be passed regulating this pressure, with regards to both public land and private land holdings.
The implications of this expansion of the United States were significant. The settlers that flooded in were mostly of European descent, and the native population was generally treated poorly or outright driven out or destroyed. This created massive divisions between the settlers and the indigenous nations, and it ultimately led to the spread of the American frontier. The influx of settlers also brought with it a variety of technologies, primarily in the form of farming and ranching, which had a massive and far-reaching impact on American society and livelihood.
From an economic standpoint, the expansion of the United States to the Mississippi River had a tremendous effect on the economy. The acquisition of new lands, with the availability of resources like oil and natural gas, resulted in an influx of capital. This new capital helped to fuel the industrialization of the country and created a powerful economic engine. The growth of the country and its economy also dramatically increased the opportunities for economic mobility.
Expansion Effects on the Legal System
The Expansion of the United States to the Mississippi River had a major impact on the legal system. The influx of settlers and the development of the land meant that new laws and regulations had to be developed. This development of new laws not only addressed the rights of settlers on their newly-acquired land, but also the rights of the Indigenous population and the racial/ethnic minorities. In short, the expansion of the United States to the Mississippi River led to the development of the legal system we have today.
The development of a sophisticated legal system was essential in order to protect the rights of everyone, regardless of their background. This enabled the United States to ultimately become a much more unified and integrated country. The same rights and protections were afforded to all citizens, which ultimately served as one of the major pillars in the development of a strong democracy.
Expanding the boundaries to the Mississippi River also brought with it a number of economic benefits. The new access to resources allowed the development of new businesses, which in turn created employment opportunities for citizens. This increased economic activity provided the state with much needed tax revenue, which allowed the government to invest in its infrastructure as well as its education and healthcare systems.
Political Implications
The expansion of the United States to the Mississippi River also had major political implications. As the country expanded, the government had to implement new policies in order to ensure that it could adequately govern its population and enforce its laws. This led to the development of the federalism structure, whereby the state governments had certain powers that were distinct from the federal government. This allowed the states to remain independent while simultaneously uniting under a unified political system.
The increased power of the federal government also led to much more stringent policies regarding immigration. The influx of settlers to the West led to fears of illegal immigration and the possibility of individuals entering the country illegally. This led to greater government control over whom was allowed to enter and stay in the United States.
The expansion of the United States to the Mississippi River also had major implications for international relations. The increased power of the federal government meant that the United States was able to develop stronger relationships with countries abroad. This allowed for the exchange of goods and services, and it also set the stage for the United States’ emergence as a global superpower.
Developments on the Mississippi River
The expansion of the United States to the Mississippi River had many beneficial effects. The opening of the West led to the development of new trade routes and new transportation networks. This in turn led to increased economic activity and new economic opportunities in the West. The area around the Mississippi River also served as a major hub for the industrial and agricultural sectors, providing the country with much needed tax revenue.
The Mississippi River also played an important role in ensuring shipping security. The presence of a major waterway served as a major transportation hub, and it provided access to not only the Mississippi River but also to the Gulf of Mexico. This allowed the country to secure its shipping routes and trade more freely with foreign countries.
The development of this key resource had a major impact on the country’s overall security. The presence of a major waterway served as a deterrent against potential invasion, as the country was better able to protect its shipping lanes. This allowed for a greater degree of military independence, and it ultimately led to the emergence of the United States as an internationally-recognized superpower.
Cultural Implications
The Expansion of the United States to the Mississippi River had an enormous cultural impact. The influx of settlers to the West led to a variety of new cultural influences, which contributed to the development of a multicultural identity in the United States. The blending of cultures resulted in a variety of new cultural expressions, most notably in the form of music and cuisine.
The blending of international influences also had an effect on language. As settlers from different countries came together, they began to blend their languages and create a new, American dialect. This new language was particularly influential in the form of slang and the use of new terms and colloquialisms. It ultimately provided the foundations for the development of the American English language.
The Expansion of the United States to the Mississippi River also had a significant impact on the development of literature. This was particularly true in the area of folklore and myth, which has had a lasting impact on contemporary popular culture. This blending of cultural traditions also had an impact on the development of art, architecture, and other creative pursuits.
Societal Impact
The Expansion of the United States to the Mississippi River had a major impact on the nation’s social makeup. The influx of settlers and the development of the land had major implications for the existing Native American tribes, who were often displaced and sometimes brutally oppressed. This issue continues to be a major source of tension in the United States today.
The influx of settlers to the West also brought with them a variety of religions and beliefs. This diversity of religions and spiritual beliefs gave rise to the spread of various religious and philosophical movements, which had an immense impact on the development of American culture. Religion in particular had a major influence on literature, politics, and the arts.
The development of new technologies also had a major effect on society. While the technology revolution had a major impact on industry, it also had an enormous impact on the culture and lifestyle of the people in the United States. The rise of new technologies resulted in a more leisurely lifestyle and the emergence of a new consumer culture.
Conclusion
The Expansion of the United States to the Mississippi River was a major milestone in the history of the country. With this expansion, the United States acquired an immense tract of land that opened up the West and allowed for the development of a new economy. The influx of settlers also resulted in the creation of a new American identity, one that was more diverse and inclusive. The economic, political, and cultural consequences of this expansion still reverberate today.
