Documenting United States History

Analyze the causes and effects of westward expansion between 1800 and 1848. Be

sure to examine most of the documents in this chapter in terms of their audience,

purpose, point of view, format, argument, and limitations. Place your argument in

the context of broad regional, national, and global processes.

steP 1 Identify documents that present the causes and effects of westward expan-

sion between 1800 and 1848. Analyze the relevant features of each document, including

audience, purpose, point of view, and limitations.

steP 2 Contextualize the documents in terms of broad regional, national, and global processes.

steP 3 Combine the documents into a clear statement that begins with a main point that is

followed by supporting points. Use all nine documents in your response.

Example

The following example illustrates how three sources can be combined in response to the

prompt.

Step 1

Document 9.4, Monroe Doctrine, 1823

Document 9.5, Indian Removal Act of 1830

Document 9.6, Texas Declaration of Independence, 1836

Step 2

ToPIC II | Destinies manifested 227

Source

audience and

purpose

limitations Context

effects and

causes

Doc. 9.4, Monroe

Doctrine, 1823

To create greater

division between

America and

Europe; audience

was isolationists

Endangers the eco-

nomic interests

that thrive on inter-

national markets

(such as cotton)

Global Effect: Less reli-

ance on Europe

Cause:

Development of

westward lands

Doc. 9.5, Indian

Removal Act of

1830

To garner more

land for westward

expansion; audi-

ence was property

holders

Does not address

the needs of Native

Americans and

forgoes inalienable

rights

National Effect: More

territory for

expansion

Cause: Spirit of

Manifest Destiny

Doc. 9.6, Texas

Declaration of

Independence,

1836

To liberate Texas

from Mexican

control; audience

was American

landowners

Raises questions

about the role of

slavery

Regional Effects: Greater

autonomy for

states’ rights and

limitations of

federal control

Cause: Expan-

sion of slavery

10_STA_2012_ch9_213-234.indd 227 23/03/15 5:33 PM