After the American Revolution, the newly formed United States realized that it lacked room to grow. The states created in the De
claration of Independence in 1776 were limited in size. As the population increased, more people were competing for the same amount of land. Consequently, land became more expensive, and overcrowding became an issue. The thirteen states were bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the territories of other nations. If the United States was going to have a future, it needed to increase its territory.
Read the passage from the following website: www.expandingcountries.edu/unitedstates/louisianapurchase
The United States was determined to expand west. Americans believed in Manifest Destiny, or their divine right to expand and spread democracy. They wanted to go west and live freely without the restrictions of the strict laws in the East. Other issues in the East included limited religious freedom and a lack of jobs. The promise of open land, new jobs, and religious freedom drew people further into the continent. This new land contained untapped resources, such as forests, plains, and ore. When gold was discovered in California, people were eager to head west. The West became synonymous with adventures and new opportunities. However, in order to go west, the United States needed to own the surrounding land.
Which passage best summarizes the ideas from both texts? (2 points)
A) After the American Revolution, the newly formed United States realized that it lacked room to grow. If the United States was going to have a future, it needed to increase its territory. The United States was fascinated with the idea of going west. Americans believed in Manifest Destiny, or their divine right to expand and spread democracy. Other issues in the East included few jobs and limited religious freedom. The promise of open land, new jobs, and religious freedom drew people further into the continent. This new land contained untapped resources, such as forests, plains, and ore.
B) Americans believed that it was their divine responsibility to spread liberty to The West. Some people moved westward to freely practice their religious beliefs. One of the largest attractions of The West was the vast amount of land and numerous natural resources, including gold.
C) The United States wanted to move westward. After the Declaration of Independence, the country realized that it was hemmed in on every side. British North America was to the North, and Spanish Florida was to the south. Not wanting to go into the Atlantic, the only option left was west.
D) The United States wanted to move westward to fulfill their Manifest Destiny, experience religious freedoms, and obtain more land and natural resources. Americans believed that it was their divine responsibility to spread liberty to The West. Some people moved westward to freely practice their religious beliefs. One of the largest attractions of The West was the vast amount of land. There were also numerous natural resources, including gold. Land, natural resources, religious freedom, and Manifest Destiny were all reasons why the United States looked westward.
