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Columbia is carrying a school book and telegraph wires, while a train follows behind her. Why do you think those items are given that place of honor in this painting?

Columbia is carrying a school book and telegraph wires, while a train follows behind her. Why do you think those items are given that place of honor in this painting?

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This painting from 1872 by John Gast is called American Progress. You can click on the image to go to a higher resolution (larger) version of it. After looking at it carefully, answer the question below. 

Columbia is carrying a school book and telegraph wires, while a train follows behind her. Why do you think those items are given that place of honor in this painting? 

This image is an allegorical depiction of American westward expansion, titled "American Progress" by John Gast, created in 1872. ### Description: **Central Figure:** - **Lady in White:** A prominent female figure, clad in flowing white robes, symbolizing progress. She carries a book titled "School Book," representing education, and is advancing westward. **Background:** - **Right Side (East):** Represents the developed east, featuring a bright sunrise, settlers, trains, and telegraph wires. The buildings and infrastructure symbolize industry and modernization. - **Left Side (West):** Depicts the untamed west with darker shades, featuring Native Americans, buffalo, and wildlife. Here, the landscape is less developed. **Middle Ground:** - **Pioneers** and **Covered Wagons:** Illustrating westward migration. - **Stagecoach and Riders:** Indicating the movement of people. **Elements of Technology and Civilization:** - **Railway:** Symbolizes technological progress and the connection of the nation. - **Telegraph Lines:** Indicate communication advancements. ### Analysis: The painting is a representation of "Manifest Destiny," a 19th-century ideology that justified American expansion, depicting progress through transportation, technology, and settlement while displacing the indigenous people and wildlife. Through symbolism, it showcases the cultural views and aspirations of the era.
Transcribed Image Text:This image is an allegorical depiction of American westward expansion, titled "American Progress" by John Gast, created in 1872. ### Description: **Central Figure:** - **Lady in White:** A prominent female figure, clad in flowing white robes, symbolizing progress. She carries a book titled "School Book," representing education, and is advancing westward. **Background:** - **Right Side (East):** Represents the developed east, featuring a bright sunrise, settlers, trains, and telegraph wires. The buildings and infrastructure symbolize industry and modernization. - **Left Side (West):** Depicts the untamed west with darker shades, featuring Native Americans, buffalo, and wildlife. Here, the landscape is less developed. **Middle Ground:** - **Pioneers** and **Covered Wagons:** Illustrating westward migration. - **Stagecoach and Riders:** Indicating the movement of people. **Elements of Technology and Civilization:** - **Railway:** Symbolizes technological progress and the connection of the nation. - **Telegraph Lines:** Indicate communication advancements. ### Analysis: The painting is a representation of "Manifest Destiny," a 19th-century ideology that justified American expansion, depicting progress through transportation, technology, and settlement while displacing the indigenous people and wildlife. Through symbolism, it showcases the cultural views and aspirations of the era.
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