How chaotic is the western United States?

1776 When the United States became independent, there were only 13 states on the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean, covering an area of 800,000 square kilometers. Expanding territory became the first step of the westward plan, and after a series of divine operations, it gradually formed the present American territory.

During the British colonial period, the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern part of North America became an obstacle for colonial people to travel. The mountain ranges from northeast to southwest, with a length of 3,200 kilometers, becoming a natural barrier separating east and west. Britain's intention is to concentrate the population on the east coast for control.

However, after gaining independence, this ban expired and the magnificent westward development began. First of all, I "discussed" with Britain and got a large area of land between the west of the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River. Then, taking advantage of France's busy war and tight financial situation, it bought 2.6 million square kilometers of land in Louisiana at a huge price of $65438+50 million, and the territory doubled. (At that time, Napoleon's 20,000 expeditionary force was wiped out in Egypt and was extremely short of money. There is another reason why it is so "cheap". France wants to help Britain foster an opponent in the United States.

Appalachian mountains

Similarly, with Napoleon's spring breeze paralyzing Spain, the United States actively occupied a large number of immigrants in western Florida. This tactic of mixing sand was a great success, and the number of immigrants in this area increased to 90%, which led to Spain being forced out.

Besides Napoleon, another country that needs the strong gratitude of the United States is its weak neighbor Mexico. Weak Mexico can't stand the American toss, and it lost more than half of its territory in just a few rounds, with more than 2.3 million square kilometers. Of course, these lands were not all acquired by force, including 70,000 square kilometers, which was very civilized and cost a huge sum of100,000 US dollars.

By the middle of19th century, the territory of the United States had crossed the North American continent, extended to the west coast, and successfully docked with the Pacific Ocean.

With the rapid expansion of the United States, indigenous Indians fell into blood mold. At first, it was only deported to the west bank of the Mississippi River, and then only a few limited reserves were left for them to live in.

From16th century, when colonial forces entered America, to the end of19th century,130,000 Indians were killed in Spanish territory,1000,000 in Brazil occupied by Portugal, and another1000,000 Indians were killed during the westward expansion of the United States.

Even Washington, which devoted its life to human rights equality, regarded Indians as a scourge:

Both (Indians and wolves) are carnivorous beasts, but they are different in shape.

His successor also followed this style. During Madison's time, there was even a decree. The price of killing Indians under 12 years old is $50, and the reward for Indians over 12 years old is 100 dollars.

Millions of square kilometers of land have been expropriated without compensation, and the Indian aborigines there have either been driven away or disappeared.

Different from the concept of Russia, the United States seized land not to let it continue to be abandoned, but to actively develop and create benefits.

In order to attract immigrants to explore the west, the United States has introduced a very attractive measure:

Land is sold in blocks, with a minimum of 640 mu (about 6 mu per mu), and the price is one dollar per mu, which needs to be paid in one lump sum. After that, it will be raised to two yuan, and it can be paid in installments. At that time, the purchasing power of dollars was quite hard, unlike now, you can't even buy a hamburger.

But those who want to go to the west are poor people who dream of making a fortune, and few can afford a few hundred dollars, so it is easier to buy the auction plot divided into 160 mu.

During Lincoln's administration, this policy became more attractive. According to the homestead law, every 2 1 year-old citizen can get 160 acres of land for only ten dollars, but this does not mean that he has land from now on. Only by continuous farming for five years can we obtain permanent property rights.

In order to let people go to the west, successive American governments have spared no expense.

After the news of American red envelopes spread, it not only prompted a large number of people in the eastern region to move westward, but also triggered a worldwide immigration boom. 1820, the number of Americans was less than100000, and only 40 years later, the number of new immigrants exceeded 5 million.

To build roads first, the labor problem will be solved, and logistics needs to be smooth. Railways are put in the first place because of their large traffic volume, and how to encourage railway companies to build roads is put on the agenda.

The United States lost no time in introducing multiple concessions: every mile of land along the railway will be owned by the railway company; The U.S. government provides different amounts of low-interest funds according to the engineering quantity; There will be subsidies for road construction, and corresponding levels of subsidies can be obtained for plains, hills and mountainous areas with different construction difficulties.

It took only 32 years to quickly form a railway network with a total length of 30,000 miles (1 mile 1.6 km).

As for expressways, private funds are allowed and encouraged to enter, and fees are charged after the roads are repaired. Yes, the concept of "paying for road construction" was invented by Americans.

People have also built roads, and the desolate west is getting richer day by day. The western development of the United States has developed from early agriculture to industry and high technology. Today, the western United States has become a place rich in peanuts.