The argument linking American freedom to westward expansion is rooted in the idea of Manifest Destiny, the belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across the North American continent. Proponents of westward expansion argued that it was a way to spread democracy, freedom, and opportunity to new territories, and that it was the natural right of Americans to settle and develop the land.

One of the main obstacles to freedom in the pursuit of westward expansion was the presence of Native American tribes who already inhabited the land. As Americans moved westward, they often clashed with Native American tribes who resisted the encroachment on their land and way of life. This led to violent conflicts and the displacement of Native American communities from their ancestral lands.

Another obstacle to freedom was the presence of other colonial powers, such as Spain and Mexico, who also had claims to the territories being pursued by American settlers. This led to territorial disputes and conflicts over control of the land.

Americans dealt with these obstacles in a variety of ways. In the case of Native American tribes, the U.S. government implemented policies of forced removal, such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their homelands to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. This policy resulted in the Trail of Tears, a devastating and deadly journey for many Native American tribes.

In the case of territorial disputes with other colonial powers, Americans often resorted to military intervention and diplomacy to assert their claims to the land. This was the case in the Mexican-American War, which resulted in the annexation of large territories in the Southwest, including present-day California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Overall, the arguments linking American freedom to westward expansion were often used to justify the displacement and subjugation of indigenous peoples and the assertion of American power and control over new territories. The pursuit of expansion was not without its obstacles, and the ways in which Americans dealt with these obstacles often involved the use of force and the disregard for the rights and sovereignty of others.

C

D

B

A

D

During the Great Depression, American women experienced a variety of New Deal programs and policies that aimed to provide relief and recovery for those affected by the economic downturn. One of the most well-known programs was the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided employment opportunities for both men and women in various public works projects. Women were able to find jobs in fields such as sewing, teaching, and nursing through the WPA, which helped alleviate some of the financial strain caused by the Depression.

Additionally, the Social Security Act of 1935 provided benefits for widows and their children, offering a safety net for women who had lost their primary source of income. The National Youth Administration also provided educational and job opportunities for young women, allowing them to gain valuable skills and experience.

However, the experiences of women during the New Deal varied widely across different segments of American society. White women generally had more access to New Deal programs and were more likely to benefit from them, while women of color faced discrimination and limited opportunities. Many New Deal programs were also segregated, further limiting the opportunities available to women of color.

Furthermore, the experiences of women in rural areas differed from those in urban areas. Rural women often faced greater economic hardship and had fewer opportunities for employment and assistance compared to their urban counterparts. Additionally, married women often faced discrimination in the workforce, as many New Deal programs prioritized jobs for male breadwinners.

In conclusion, while the New Deal provided some relief for American women during the Great Depression, their experiences varied widely based on factors such as race, location, and marital status. Many women faced significant challenges and limitations in accessing the benefits of New Deal programs, highlighting the need for more inclusive and equitable policies to address the needs of all women during times of economic crisis.

D

D

C