Question

1. Why do you think Americans were so fascinated by this idea of the United States stretching from “sea to sea”? Provide at least 2 reasons

2. Of the 8 territories that were brought under the flag of the United States by 1853, which one do you think was the most important addition to the growth of the United States? Provide at least 2 reasons.

Answer 1

Americans' fascination with the expansion from sea to sea was driven by Manifest Destiny and economic prospects, while California was the most important territory acquired by 1853 for its gold and strategic Pacific access.

Step-by-step explanation:

Americans were fascinated by the idea of the United States expanding from sea to sea for several reasons. First, the concept of Manifest Destiny held that the expansion of the U.S. was both inevitable and divinely sanctioned. This belief system made Americans feel they were on a righteous path, spreading democracy and civilization. Second, there was a strong economic motivation, as the vast lands to the west promised abundant resources and land for agriculture and settlement, offering opportunities for prosperity and growth. The vision of a transcontinental nation was not only a testament to American ambition but also a symbol of the nation's perceived destiny.

Out of the territories acquired by the United States by 1853, California was arguably the most important addition to the country's growth. California's significance is twofold; economically, the discovery of gold in 1848 precipitated the Gold Rush, leading to a massive influx of settlers and wealth that boosted the nation's economy. Strategically, California provided access to the Pacific Ocean, enhancing trade opportunities, particularly with Asia, and bolstering the U.S. as a maritime power. The acquisition of California thus strongly influenced both economic patterns and foreign relations.

Answer 2

1. Reasons for the fascination of a land that streches from "sea to sea":

-Land was a symbol of freedom, independence, and stability. It ensured that future generations would also be Americans and own land. The idea of a extensive land that has to be conquered ties as well with the idea of manifest destiny. In the 19th century, manifest destiny was a widely held belief in the United States that its settlers were destined to expand across North America.

-Opportunity from the vast area of land in America attracted millions of people from other countries, who dreamed of economic stability, political/social equality, job opportunities, political/social equality, and most of all, freedom.

2. Out of the 8 territories that were brought under the flag of the United States by 1853, I believe the most important addition was the state of Florida because:

-It settled a standing border dispute between two countries (United States and Spain)

-The addition of Florida was considered a triumph of American diplomacy and the turning point for the adquisition/incorporation of future states.