American Westward Movement in 19th century, in fact, is a large-scale advancement of American economy exploitation and a territorial expansion. It plays a vital role in the formation, the development and the present situation of the United States of America. Particularly, Westward Movement has seeped into this young nationality on its cultural influence. However, at the same time Westward Movement is also the Indians’ tragic history. Is Westward Movement civilized or barbaric, successful or not? To answer these questions this thesis mainly analyzes American Westward Movement from a historical angle to help us to recognize American culture and history. For this purpose, this thesis discusses Westward Movement’s influences on American economy, its national characteristic and the formation of its values. Also, the writer reflects its dark side in the thesis.
Key Words
Westward Movement; national character; pioneer; Indian culture
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摘 要
Abstract ..........................................................I
Key Words .........................................................I
摘要 ..............................................................II
关键词 ............................................................II
Introduction ......................................................1
I. The Positive Contributions of American Westward Movement........2
A. Promoting American Economic Development ........................2
B. Shaping American Characteristics ...............................3
1. The Continuous Migration and Exploitation ......................3
2. Affection for the Work .........................................4
3. Individualism ..................................................5
4. Pragmatism .....................................................5
C. Providing Plentiful Sources for American Culture and Art....... 6
Ⅱ. The Negative Influence of American Westward Movement.......... 7
A. The Painful Experience of the Indians........................ ..7
1. The Indians’ Suffering in the Past........................ ....7
2. The Destiny of the Indians Having Never Been Changed............8
B. Indian Religion Being Kept in Bondage.......................... 9
C. The Beautiful and Rich Land Becoming a Scene of Desolated Ruins 9
1. The Number of Buffalos Having Been Extinct .....................10
2. New Approach to Crop Cultivation Exhausting the Soil ...........10
3. The “Black Storm Event” ......................................10
Conclusion ........................................................12
Acknowledgements...................................................13
Notes .............................................................14
Bibliography.......................................................15
