Documenting United States History

Step 3

Main point: Although westward expansion increased the United States’ political and eco-

nomic power, it also led to the growth of oppressive institutions like slavery and the removal

of Native Americans from their lands.

Supporting points: Regionally, nationally, and globally, westward expansion meant more

wealth and prosperity for Americans but also limited the capacity of the federal government

to ensure equality among all people who lived within its borders. This pattern can be seen

in Documents 9.4, 9.5, and 9.6. (Discuss all three documents.)

228 ChaPTer 9 | expansionism: part 1 | period Four 18 0 0 –1848

10_STA_2012_ch9_213-234.indd 228 23/03/15 5:33 PM

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