The Movement West

The U.S. population begins its shift to the west in 1781 with land acquired from Britain after the Revolutionary War and continues its “Manifest Destiny” path across the Mississippi River and to the west coast by 1850.

9.0 Shifts Occur Across 6 Distinct Regions Over Time

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9.1 Population (000) By Region

The westward movement results in a declining status for the original thirteen east coast Colonies which, by 1860, account for roughly half of the total population.

9.2 Population % By Region

This east to west movement is also accompanied by a dramatic population tilt in favor of the Northern States (where slavery is banned) over the Southern States. This shocks the South, which has expected that its warmer weather would attract more farmers and increase its share of the total population – and hence its representation and power in the U.S. House.

But by 1820 it becomes clear that Jefferson’s vision of an agriculture-driven economy is losing out to Alexander Hamilton’s call for a diverse economy, including a strong manufacturing arm and large urban marketplaces.

This trend continues, and by 1860 the Northern states account for just over 60% of America’s population and therefore a dominate number of seats in the House. The South regards this outcome as a dire threat to the future expansion of slavery and their sources of wealth.

9.3 Population Split: North vs. South

9.4 Population (000) Shifts By State