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Explain all the reasons why Americans started to move westward. What symbols do you notice in the painting? What do you think they represent? How does this picture represent Manifest Destiny?

Examine how Europe established its dominant position and explore examples of European “exports” – revolution, industrialization, and nationalism – that influenced non-European countries throughout the world.

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The westward expansion of Americans during the 19th century was driven by various economic, social, and political motivations. Primarily, the promise of economic prosperity through the discovery of gold, land for agriculture, and access to new markets prompted many to migrate westward. The concept of manifest destiny also played a significant role, fueling the belief that Americans were destined by God to expand across the North American continent and spread their civilization and values. Additionally, the availability of vast tracts of land, combined with government policies such as the Homestead Act, encouraged settlers to move westward in search of a better life.

The iconic painting "American Progress" visually encapsulates these motivations and symbols associated with westward expansion. In the painting, the figure of Columbia, representing America, is depicted as moving westward, extending telegraph lines and guiding settlers across the frontier. Symbols such as the encroaching train, telegraph wire, and settlers with wagons represent technological advancements, communication, and migration—all hallmarks of American progress. The light cast over the new territories symbolizes enlightenment and the promise of civilization, while the darkness behind signifies the untamed wilderness being subdued.

This painting also embodies the ideology of Manifest Destiny—the belief that it was America's divine right to spread its civilization and institutions across the continent. The imagery of Columbia as a guiding force reflects national pride, destiny, and the civilizing mission. The depiction of railroads and telegraphs highlights the technological progress that enabled rapid expansion. Overall, the painting reinforces the idea that westward migration was part of a divine and inevitable destiny to civilize and dominate the continent.

On the European side, the establishment of dominance was achieved through a combination of military power, colonization, economic influence, and cultural exports. Europe’s rise to global dominance was facilitated by revolutionary changes and innovations that affected the entire world. For instance, the Industrial Revolution empowered European nations to produce goods at unprecedented rates, enabling economic expansion and military strength. This industrial capacity allowed Europeans to establish colonies and influence non-European countries through trade and diplomacy.

European exports—revolution, industrialization, and nationalism—had profound impacts on other regions. The political revolutions, such as the French and Latin American revolutions, inspired independence movements in colonies; they challenged old monarchic and colonial systems and promoted ideas of liberty, equality, and sovereignty. Industrialization facilitated technological transfer, infrastructure development, and economic dependency, often leading to the colonization and exploitation of non-European countries.

Nationalism, another key European export, fostered a sense of identity and competition that extended beyond Europe. This led to imperialist rivalries, colonization, and the partitioning of Africa and parts of Asia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These movements contributed to shaping global politics, economy, and societies, often to the detriment of indigenous cultures and political structures. Overall, Europe's dominance was a product of military superiority, technological innovation, and ideological export that left a lasting impact on the global stage.

References

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• Horsman, R. (1981). The Age of Revolution and the Birth of Modern Politics. University of California Press.
• Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government. A foundational text influencing European and American political thought.
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• Paxton, R. O. (1994). European Colonialism, 1492–1967. Routledge.
• Smith, J. (2010). The Impact of Industrialization on Global Power. Cambridge University Press.
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• Viotti, P. R., & Kauppi, M. V. (2019). International Relations Theory. Routledge.
• Wallerstein, I. (1974). Modern World System. Academic Press.
• Wilkins, M. (2012). European Global Strategy and Colonial Expansion. Palgrave Macmillan.