Final answer:
People learned about the ideals of Manifest Destiny, the opportunities in the West, and the importance of settling it with American values from pamphlets and posters during the westward expansion era. These materials often portrayed an idealized version of western expansion and were used for propaganda and social reform, including the abolitionist movement. Posters were designed to be simple and compelling to quickly convey these messages to the public.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the westward expansion era, pamphlets and posters served as crucial sources of information, opinions, and propaganda. They influenced public perception and behavior. Pamphlets and posters wielded great power; they shaped beliefs about Manifest Destiny and the promise of opportunity in the West.
Through these media, prominent figures like Horace Greeley could propagate the notion of the West as a land of potential and prosperity, encouraging settlement and expansion with slogans such as "Go west, young man."
Furthermore, these printed materials often presented an idealized vision of western expansion, neglecting the real hardships and conflicts, including the ongoing Civil War and its aftermath. They also played a role in social causes such as the abolitionist movement, where activists used pamphlets extensively to advocate for the end of slavery and to push for reform.
Posters had to be simple, bold, and eye-catching, designed to grab the attention quickly and convey messages effectively in public spaces. Such characteristics were essential for communicating messages to a diverse audience, from city dwellers to farmers, with varying levels of literacy and time to engage with the content.