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 questions below.  The woman is called the angel or goddess Columbia which is said to represent America. Who do the people ahead of her represent?  Explain the impact of the idea of Manifest Destiny on this group of people. Give both effects and their explanations.  Who are the people behind and next to her? Explain what they are doing and why. 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 questions below. 

  1. The woman is called the angel or goddess Columbia which is said to represent America. Who do the people ahead of her represent?  Explain the impact of the idea of Manifest Destiny on this group of people. Give both effects and their explanations. 
  2. Who are the people behind and next to her? Explain what they are doing and why.
  3. 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? 
The image is a classic representation of American Manifest Destiny, highlighting various elements of westward expansion in the United States during the 19th century.

**Central Figure:**
A large, ethereal woman in flowing robes dominates the scene, symbolizing progress and the guiding force of expansion. She holds a schoolbook labeled "School Book," representing the spread of education and enlightenment.

**Left Side:**
The left section of the image is darkened, showing untamed wilderness. Native Americans and wildlife, such as bison, can be seen, suggesting the untamed land that American settlers aimed to civilize. A group of Native Americans on horseback is retreating from the advancing settlers.

**Right Side:**
Bright and developed, the right side shows advances such as trains, telegraph lines, and stagecoaches, indicating technological progress. Farmland in the foreground suggests cultivation and settlement. A group of settlers crosses a river, moving westward, embracing the opportunities promised by the frontier.

**Background:**
Mountains and a distant settlement are visible, with the sun rising in the background, symbolizing the dawn of a new era brought through expansion.

The image illustrates themes of civilization versus wilderness, technological progress, and the impact of expansion on indigenous peoples.
Transcribed Image Text:The image is a classic representation of American Manifest Destiny, highlighting various elements of westward expansion in the United States during the 19th century. **Central Figure:** A large, ethereal woman in flowing robes dominates the scene, symbolizing progress and the guiding force of expansion. She holds a schoolbook labeled "School Book," representing the spread of education and enlightenment. **Left Side:** The left section of the image is darkened, showing untamed wilderness. Native Americans and wildlife, such as bison, can be seen, suggesting the untamed land that American settlers aimed to civilize. A group of Native Americans on horseback is retreating from the advancing settlers. **Right Side:** Bright and developed, the right side shows advances such as trains, telegraph lines, and stagecoaches, indicating technological progress. Farmland in the foreground suggests cultivation and settlement. A group of settlers crosses a river, moving westward, embracing the opportunities promised by the frontier. **Background:** Mountains and a distant settlement are visible, with the sun rising in the background, symbolizing the dawn of a new era brought through expansion. The image illustrates themes of civilization versus wilderness, technological progress, and the impact of expansion on indigenous peoples.
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