8th Grade U.S. History - West's View on Tarriffs

Leutze, Emanuel. 1861. "Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way" (mural study, U.S. Capitol). This oil on canvas painting measures 33.2 in (84.4 cm) in height and 43.3 in (110.1 cm) in width. Created in the United States of America. Part of the collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum with the accession number 1931.6.1. Credit line: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Sara Carr Upton. Available at Google Arts & Culture with the asset ID RgGCDNd9Y2l73w.

Civil War

Important People

Causes

Battles

West and Government Spending on Internal Improvements

The expansion of the United States in the 19th century brought about many changes, including the development of the West. As settlers moved westward, they faced challenges such as the need for better transportation and trade routes. In order to address these challenges, the West backed government spending on internal improvements like new roads and canals. These infrastructure projects played a crucial role in the growth and development of the West and were financed by tariffs.

The Importance of Internal Improvements

During this time, the West was growing rapidly, and people needed better ways to transport goods and travel. The construction of new roads and canals was seen as crucial to addressing this need. Improved transportation infrastructure would allow for easier movement of goods and people, boosting trade and economic development in the region.

Financing Internal Improvements

One of the key questions regarding government spending on internal improvements was how to finance these projects. The West, in particular, supported the idea of using tariffs to fund the construction of roads and canals. Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, and they were seen as a way to generate revenue for these infrastructure projects.

The West believed that tariffs would not only provide the necessary funds for internal improvements but also protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive. This protectionist approach aimed to encourage the growth of American industries and support economic independence.

The Impact of Internal Improvements

The construction of new roads and canals in the West had a significant impact on the region. It facilitated trade and transportation, connecting different parts of the country and enabling the flow of goods and people. These improvements opened up new opportunities for settlement and economic development in areas that were previously inaccessible.

The development of the Erie Canal, for example, revolutionized transportation in the East and Midwest. This canal connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, providing a direct route for goods from the Midwest to the Atlantic Ocean. It reduced transportation costs and led to the growth of cities along its route, such as Buffalo and Rochester.

Similarly, the construction of the National Road, which stretched from Maryland to Illinois, improved travel and trade in the Midwest. It opened up access to the West and encouraged settlers and businesses to move westward.

Opposition and Challenges

While many in the West supported government spending on internal improvements, there were also opposing views. Some argued that these projects should be left to private enterprises and not financed through government funds. They believed that the government's role should be limited to maintaining peace and security, rather than investing in infrastructure.

Another challenge was the issue of sectionalism. As the country expanded westward, tensions arose between different regions. Those in the East were concerned that funds would be disproportionately allocated to the West, potentially hindering development in their own areas.

Conclusion

The West's support for government spending on internal improvements played a crucial role in the development of the region. The construction of new roads and canals, financed by tariffs, transformed the West by facilitating trade, transportation, and settlement. These infrastructure projects opened up opportunities for economic growth and connected different parts of the country. Although there were opposing views and challenges, the West's backing of internal improvements left a lasting impact on the expansion of the United States.