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Published Jan 7, 2019

30: The Oregon Trail (“You Have Died of Dysentery”)

Greg Jackson delves into the treacherous journey along the Oregon Trail, revealing how the Manifest Destiny ideology and economic hardships of the 1830s propelled American pioneers westward, clashing with Native American cultures and risking their lives in search of new beginnings.
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  • Economic Impact

    The Panic of 1837 played a pivotal role in driving Americans westward to Oregon. explains that this economic downturn, marked by the collapse of banks and skyrocketing unemployment, left many seeking new opportunities 1. The concept of Manifest Destiny, popularized by figures like John O'Sullivan, further fueled this migration, as Americans believed it was their divine right to expand across the continent 2.

    By the 1840s, many Americans are answering the call of adventure, destiny and frankly, free land thanks to the panic of 1837 by going west to Oregon country.

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    This combination of economic necessity and ideological drive led to a significant movement towards the Oregon Country.

       

    Political Influence

    Political shifts in the 1830s also contributed to the westward expansion. highlights how President Andrew Jackson's era set the stage for his successor, Martin Van Buren, who faced the economic crisis head-on 3. Despite the turmoil, the Democratic Party's dominance, bolstered by Jackson's influence, facilitated policies that encouraged migration.

    Martin even calls the Whigs sectionalism unpatriotic. To quote true Republicans can never lend their aid and influence in creating geographical parties.

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    This political landscape, combined with the Whigs' ineffective strategies, underscored the Democrats' role in promoting westward expansion.

       

    Manifest Destiny

    The ideology of Manifest Destiny was a powerful motivator for westward expansion. describes how this belief, rooted in the idea that Americans were destined to spread across the continent, aligned with Thomas Jefferson's vision of an "empire of Liberty" 2. This ideology was not only embraced by the public but also by political leaders who saw it as a justification for expansion.

    Americans feel the west is their density. Sorry, I mean their, their destiny.

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    As a result, the concept of Manifest Destiny became a rallying cry for those seeking new beginnings in the Oregon Country.

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