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It is misleading to focus on the frontier only as the westward movement of whites because it overlooks the diverse experiences and impacts of other groups who were also affected by the expansion of the United States. The experiences of the Sioux, Chinese, and Mexican residents of the borderlands provide important perspectives that challenge the traditional narrative of westward expansion.
The Sioux, for example, faced devastating consequences as white settlers encroached on their lands. This led to violent conflicts such as the Battle of Little Bighorn and ultimately resulted in the loss of their traditional way of life. The Sioux were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and confined to reservations, leading to a decline in their cultural practices and autonomy.
Similarly, Chinese immigrants played a crucial role in the development of the western frontier, particularly in building the transcontinental railroad. However, they faced discrimination, violence, and restrictive immigration policies that limited their opportunities for advancement and integration into American society. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 further marginalized and excluded Chinese residents from participating in the economic and social development of the frontier.
Mexican residents of the borderlands also had their experiences shaped by the westward expansion of the United States. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War, resulted in the annexation of Mexican territories by the United States. This led to the displacement of Mexican landowners and the imposition of American legal and economic systems that marginalized Mexican communities.
By considering the experiences of the Sioux, Chinese immigrants, and Mexican residents of the borderlands, it becomes clear that the frontier was not just a one-dimensional movement of white settlers. It was a complex and often violent process that involved multiple groups with distinct experiences and impacts. Focusing solely on the westward movement of whites overlooks the contributions and struggles of these marginalized communities, and perpetuates a biased and incomplete understanding of American expansion.
