Analysis of American Progress
- Reasons for Western Movement
Americans started to move westward for a variety of reasons, including:
* **Economic opportunity:** The western United States offered vast tracts of land that were available for homesteading or purchase at relatively low prices. This attracted many people who were seeking economic opportunity, such as farmers, ranchers, and miners.
* **Religious freedom:** Some Americans moved westward in search of religious freedom. For example, the Mormons moved to Utah to escape persecution for their beliefs.
* **Political freedom:** Some Americans moved westward in search of political freedom. For example, many people moved to the Oregon Territory in the mid-1800s to escape the control of the British government.
* **Adventure:** Some Americans moved westward simply for the adventure of it. They were drawn by the challenge of exploring new lands and building new lives.
The painting American Progress depicts a young woman symbolizing America moving westward. She is dressed in white and carries a book and a flag. She is surrounded by symbols of progress, such as a telegraph pole, a railroad, and a factory.
The white dress represents purity and innocence. The book and flag represent education and government. The telegraph pole, railroad, and factory represent the technological and economic progress that was taking place in the United States at the time.
The painting American Progress represents Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was destined to expand to the Pacific Ocean. The painting shows America as a young woman moving westward, conquering the land and bringing progress with her.
- European Dominance
Europe established its dominant position in the world through a combination of factors, including:
* **Military power:** European armies were the most powerful in the world in the 18th and 19th centuries. This allowed European countries to conquer and colonize large parts of the world.
* **Economic power:** European countries were the most economically developed countries in the world in the 18th and 19th centuries. This gave them a significant advantage over other countries.
* **Technological superiority:** European countries were the leaders in technological development in the 18th and 19th centuries. This gave them a military and economic advantage over other countries.
Examples of European “Exports”
- Revolution: The American Revolution and the French Revolution inspired revolutions in other parts of the world, such as the Latin American wars of independence and the Haitian Revolution.
- Industrialization: The Industrial Revolution began in Europe and then spread to other parts of the world, such as the United States and Japan.
- Nationalism: The rise of nationalism in Europe led to the creation of new nation-states, such as Italy and Germany. Nationalism also spread to other parts of the world, such as Latin America and Asia.
Influence of European Exports on Non-European Countries
The European “exports” of revolution, industrialization, and nationalism had a profound impact on non-European countries.
- Revolution: The American and French Revolutions inspired revolutions in other parts of the world, such as the Latin American wars of independence and the Haitian Revolution. These revolutions led to the overthrow of colonial rule and the establishment of new independent nations.
- Industrialization: The Industrial Revolution led to dramatic economic and social changes in non-European countries. It led to the growth of cities, the rise of a new industrial working class, and the development of new technologies.
- Nationalism: The rise of nationalism in Europe led to the creation of new nation-states in other parts of the world, such as Latin America and Asia. Nationalism also led to the development of new political movements that sought to achieve independence from colonial rule.
Conclusion
Europe established its dominant position in the world through a combination of military, economic, and technological power. European “exports” of revolution, industrialization, and nationalism had a profound impact on non-European countries.
