What were the pressures on the United States government to push for expansion?

Several pressures and motivations drove the United States government to push for territorial expansion throughout its history:

1. Manifest Destiny: The belief in the inevitability and righteousness of territorial expansion westward across the North American continent was deeply ingrained in American ideology during the 19th century. Manifest Destiny was fueled by the conviction that it was the nation's destiny to expand its territory from coast to coast.
2. Economic Opportunities: Expansion offered economic benefits, including access to new resources, fertile lands for agriculture and opportunities for trade and commerce. Land acquisition opened up possibilities for settlement, agriculture and the development of industry.
3. National Security: The government viewed territorial expansion as crucial for national security. Control over strategic territories, ports and waterways provided military advantages and helped secure borders against potential threats.
4. Population Growth and Land Hunger: With a growing population, there was a demand for more land to accommodate settlers and offer opportunities for people seeking better lives. Expansion provided new territories for settlement and economic advancement.
5. Political and Ideological Motivations: Expansionism was often driven by political ideologies and visions of national greatness. Politicians, including Presidents like Thomas Jefferson and James K. Polk, advocated for expansion as a means to fulfill national aspirations and strengthen the country's influence.
6. Competition and Rivalry: The desire to compete with other global powers and assert American dominance in the Americas drove expansion. This competition was evident in conflicts over territories with other colonial powers and in the desire to secure strategic regions for American interests.

These various pressures combined to create a strong impetus for the United States government to pursue territorial expansion, resulting in the acquisition of territories such as the Louisiana Purchase, the Oregon Territory, Texas, California and other areas through wars, treaties and negotiations, significantly shaping the nation's geography and history.