The Benefits Of Manifest Destiny

The nineteenth century played an era of expansion in the United States, where citizens dispersed westward of the country and the American economy further developed. The rapid growth led to Manifest Destiny, where many believed the evolution of the nation during this time was simply an inevitable event. Although there were negatives that came with this, the benefits of Manifest Destiny ultimately outweigh them.

The development of the United States during Manifest Destiny comprehended a number of consequences. First, the California Gold Rush resulted in Native Americans losing their lives and land. Natives living in California plummeted by approximately 90,000. This was mainly caused by miners who felt they were in the way of gold. Due to the

desperate search for resources in California, mass murders of Native Americans occurred, while others had to move out of their homes. Consequently, a vast number died on their route from disease or starvation. Furthermore, Native Americans were also negatively affected by the construction of the transcontinental railroad. They faced similar problems to the Gold Rush, since many were compelled to leave their land so that the railroad could be built. The railroad also caused the Natives’ resources to diminish; the loud trains scared wildlife off, along with passengers killing bison, which Native Americans heavily relied on for food, shelter, clothing, and furniture. Finally, the expansion of the U.S. not only caused problems for Natives, but American citizens as well. Large numbers of those moving west faced the possibility of death, accidents, diseases, and exhaustion while on their trails. For example, a seventeenth of those crossing the Oregon Trail did not make it to the end. Additionally, nine tenths of the citizens on the Mormon Trail died mainly due to extracting cholera or malaria. Though it seems there were many problems that came with Manifest Destiny, the United States also greatly benefitted from it.
The expansion of America in the nineteenth century helped the nation to quickly develop into how it is today.

First, the westward migration during Manifest Destiny helped the U.S. to expand, along with improving transportational features. As eastern America became more crowded, the cheap land west made it easier for citizens to disperse across the country. The vast numbers of migrators called for better modes of transportation such as roads, ferries, and bridges. These allowed for a shorter trip west. Second, the building of the transcontinental railroad helped to develop America and its economy. Before the railroad was constructed, it took about one month to transport goods from New York to California; however, the trains allowed for the same distance travelled in one week.. Citizens also were given the opportunity to travel for cheaper with the new railroads; prices had dropped from $1,000 to $150. Today, the U.S. relies heavily on this as 40% of shipments come from either trains or trucks. Finally, the California Gold Rush contributed to the growth of the most populated state in America today. The discovery of gold in California was a reason for the transcontinental railroad to be built, which helped San Francisco develop, for the terminus was located there. The skyrocketing population led to a large increase in buildings such as stores, schools, and libraries. The quick development of California caused it to be granted statehood by 1850, two years after the discovery of gold there, which helped tie the west of the United States to the east. From the California Gold Rush to new forms of transportation, many new changes were made in the Unites

States.
In conclusion, the benefits of Manifest Destiny ultimately outweigh the negatives due to the many accomplishments made in America during the nineteenth century that still linger in present day. During this time, many lives were lost; citizens travelling westward faced death on their trails, while a number of California Natives were slaughtered during the Gold Rush. Mercury found in gold was also consumed by wildlife. Despite the number of people and animals who died during this time, Manifest Destiny called for new transportation forms that are used today, development of the American economy, and a stronger connection between the eastern and western parts of the United States. The rapid, inevitable changes in the nineteenth century played a vital part in the development of our nation.