1776-1861 Natives, Africans, Mexicans

1. Power/Government

1.1. US believed that they are superior enough and capable of self-government

1.2. President Jackson signs Indian Removal Act to relocate Native tribes because they are incapable of self-government

2. War

2.1. Mexico's constant warfare with Native Americans hurt the country and its effort to rebuild the nation

2.2. Northern blacks volunteered to fight in the Civil War to restore the union and liberate their people

3. Land/Expansion

3.1. The US population was rapidly growing and they needed more land to support an increasing population

3.2. Mexico gained northern territories with its independence from Spain

3.3. President Andrew Jackson negotiates with Natives and asks them to voluntarily give up their lands

4. Independence/Freedom

4.1. Manifest Destiny influenced the US to extend the "boundaries of freedom"

4.2. In the 17th and 18th centuries, some blacks gained their freedom, acquired property, and gained access to American society

4.3. Mexico became a newly independent country in 1821