The American West: A clash of social, cultural, and environmental forces

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

9 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

07/07/2009

Category :

History & geography

Sub category :

Modern history

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Summary :

Introduction
The American concept of manifest destiny
Principles of manifest destiny
The relocation of Native Americans
The treatment of the Native Americans
The clash between tradition legal system and basic individualistic laws
The most famous vigilante bandleaders
Opportunities for the American women to expand their gender roles
The new roles for women
Conclusion
References

Abstract

The character of America was largely shaped by the american experience in the west from the early 1700s until the present day. Although the values of freedom and equality under the law had been established in the East during the colonial and revolutionary periods of american history, the clash of social, cultural, and environmental forces during the exploration and settlement of the west resulted in other important aspects of the american character. The clash between the american concept of Manifest Destiny and the existing natural and cultural forces of the west fostered a character of inalienable self-righteousness and national self-confidence. The clash between the traditional law enforcement and the basic individualistic laws that were produced from life in the west fostered a character of rugged individualism. Finally, the clash between traditional gender roles and the harsh necessities of survival in an inhospitable terrain fostered the emergence of new roles for women as part of the american character. These national character traits forged in the american west have influenced the subsequent history of America and the world.