Manifest Destiny and Expansion · US History

The 'Manifest Destiny' paintings of the era, such as John Gast's 'American Progress,' typically depicted:

  1. The tragic loss of life during the Trail of Tears
  2. The beauty of untouched wilderness in the Rocky Mountains
  3. The inevitable march of civilization and technology toward the West
  4. The equality of Native Americans and settlers in the new territories
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: The inevitable march of civilization and technology toward the West

Gast's painting famously shows a personification of Columbia leading settlers westward, bringing light, telegraph wires, and railroads. This reflected the contemporary view that American expansion was a civilizing force bringing progress to 'dark' wilderness.

Difficulty: Medium Question 12 of 20

Practice all 20 Manifest Destiny and Expansion questions

Keep practicing

More Manifest Destiny and Expansion questions