Westward Expansion – A Force for Unity or Division?
Westward expansion brought increasing specialization. While farming was the dominant occupation in all sections of the country prior to 1860, substantial regionalization occurred as the North developed a factory system, the South relied on a plantation economy, and the West developed family farms specializing in grains for eastern markets. Developments in transportation made this regionalization possible. However, as canals, turnpikes, and railroads developed, they created a firmer link between the East and West. The South, with most of its capital invested in slaves, developed far fewer factories, railroads, and canals and thus became increasingly dependent on northern supplies. Political bonds accompanied economic ties. In time, the static South viewed the new east-west axis as a threat to its very existence and was isolated from the rest of the country.
The idea of the “west” shifted westward with each new acquisition. What was “west” in 1800 (Tennessee) became East with later acquisitions. The west provided new markets, new sources of raw materials, an outlet for the discontented, greater power and status for the country, and new possibilities for demonstrating the value of democracy. New acquisitions also reopened the slavery controversy and brought problems with neighboring countries to the South. The South became more determined to protect its slavery & agrarian lifestyle with the North accepted change & many aimed to institute reforms to bring justice & equality for all. Balancing competing interests became an even greater challenge for the federal government.
Issue / East / West / SouthThe national government should pass high tariffs / Approve: to protect infant industry from foreign competition. / Might approve as part of a deal for internal improvements. / Oppose: high tariffs would provoke foreign retaliation and raise cost of imports.
The national government should complete the nation’s Manifest Destiny and prepare the new acquisitions for eventual statehood. / Yes: one more way to increase settlement and create new markets. / Yes: possible economic and political benefits. / No: Possibility of new free states that would further isolate slavery (Florida & Texas)
The national government should promote internal improvements, including roads, canals, and railroads, at government expense. / Yes: would provide a link to new markets. / Yes: would give access to eastern markets and goods. / No: the South’s markets are not in the West and most internal improvements would not help the South. Transcontinental rr’s would further cement the E-W link.
The national government should abolish slavery. / Yes: moral values / Yes: moral values / No: threat to own social values and economic foundation.
The national government should promote unlimited immigration to this country. / Yes: new inexpensive sources of labor & new markets for products / Yes: source of markets & new settlers for the west (also political benefits) / No: might provide competition for slaves.