The westward expansion was undoubtedly a expression of progress, encouraging economic, social and demographic growth. however, with the unregulated progress, many peoples individual freedoms were held back in exchange for the unprecedented expansion of others. With railroads expanding the nations work force, and changing the supply and demand structure of the economy, a few men rose to the occasion and were able to capitalize on the new areas of growth, making millions. Their methods were rather unscrupulous, though, and resulted in the oppression of many of their workers, until things such as workers unions and government controls on the economy were enacted. Both of these, however, were in response to westward expansion, so the argument is there that despite a few setbacks, the movement west also helped to foster greater equality under the law. The west stood for opportunity in the american psyche. Men could make their fortunes with nothing but brawn and wits. It was a new area, an exciting area, a way forward. A symbol of progress and of hope, that conditions could change. The west was a symbol of prosperity. It helped to shape American character from the beginning. it compelled the original settlers to emigrate from England into America. It brought us into contact with the Native Americans, setting the stage for the Revolutionary war. It pushed us to "liberate" texas, reignited the slavery issue, brought men wealth, crushed mens dreams. the idea of westward expansion has been crucial to the american character. it defined our country since before our independence. It will continue to shape us too, though in different ways. With no more continental land westward, new "wests" have been made. though not actually a direction, these new purposes have the same magnetic effect as the unexplored west had a century ago. Be it in space exploration, health care, technological advancements, or oceanic studies, science has become our new west, a west that we have only just begun to explore as our forefathers did before us as they stepped over the apalachians and beheld t
Villa of Brule A Lakota tipi camp near Pine Ridge, in background; horses at White Clay Creek watering hole, in the foreground. 1891. Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540
Deadwood Central R.R. Engineer Corps Outdoor group portrait of ten railroad engineers and a dog, posing with surveyors' transits on tripods and measuring rods, on the side of a mountain. Most of the men are sitting; all are wearing suits and hats. [1888] Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540
"Giant Bluff." Elk Canyon on Black Hills and Ft. P. R.R. A two-car train in front of a steep cliff; several passengers are posing in front of the train. 1890. Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540
[Engineers Corps camp and visitors] Row of fifteen people and two deer in front of a tent. Some of the men are holding measuring poles and or standing next to surveyors' transits on tripods. 1889. Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540
"We have it rich." Washing and panning gold, Rockerville, Dak. Old timers, Spriggs, Lamb and Dillon at work Three men, with dog, panning for gold in a stream. 1889. Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540