America's Background and Westwards Expansion

In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers travelled from the Old World to the New World; these Puritans were intolerant of other religions and cultures and were willing to fight for their views. 

Between 1775-83 they were willing to fight a Revolutionary War to rid themselves of British influence - America started off as 12 colonies under British control.

In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was made by George Washington, '‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.’ 

In 1789 the United States Constitution was established by the Founding Fathers for the purpose that they would 'secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.’

WESTERN EXPANSION

Manifest destiny was the belief that settlers inherited the right to settle the continent. America had vast unspoiled landscapes in the West, and between 1870-90 many migrated there.

In 1862 the Homestead Act by federal government meant people could inherit land if they had claimed it for 5 years, or paying $1.25 per acre after 6 months. This was established when Congress was empty of Southerners who feared consequences to slavery.

The first transcontinental railway track was built in 1869, coming from Omaha and stretching 1086 miles, the Union Pacific Railroad Company met the Central Pacific Railroad Company which stretched 689 miles from Sacramento…