文档字数：6047
摘 要
19世纪的美国“西进运动”实际上是美国经济与领土扩张的一次大规模进程。它对于美利坚民族的形成、发展与现状都起了重要的作用。尤其是它对美国的文化影响，更是渗透进了这个年轻的民族。然而，“西进运动”同时也是印地安人民的血泪史！美国“西进运动”是文明还是野蛮、是成功还是失败？带着这些问题本文主要通过对美国“西进运动”的历史辩证地分析，以达到深刻了解、分析美国文化历史，并正确认识和看待美国文化历史。基于这一目的，本文主要探讨“西进运动”对于美国经济推动、民族性格、价值观的形成等积极影响，并真实地反映其阴暗面，正确看待历史，做到一分为二地分析问题。
关键词
西进运动；民族性格；拓荒者；印第安文化
Contents
Abstract I
Key Words I
摘要 II
关键词 II
Introduction 1
I. The Positive Contributions of American Westward Movement 2
A. Promoting American Economic Development 2
B. Shaping American Characteristics 3
1. The Continuous Migration and Exploitation 3
2. Affection for the Work 4
3. Individualism 5
4. Pragmatism 5
C. Providing Plentiful Sources for American Culture and Art 6
Ⅱ. The Negative Influence of American Westward Movement 7
A. The Painful Experience of the Indians 7
1. The Indians’ Suffering in the Past 7
2. The Destiny of the Indians Having Never Been Changed 8
B. Indian Religion Being Kept in Bondage 9
C. The Beautiful and Rich Land Becoming a Scene of Desolated Ruins 9
1. The Number of Buffalos Having Been Extinct 10
2. New Approach to Crop Cultivation Exhausting the Soil 10
3. The “Black Storm Event” 10
Conclusion 12
Acknowledgements 13
Notes 14
Bibliography 15
Abstract
American Westward Movement in 19th century, in fact, is a large-scale advancement of American economy exploitation and a territorial expansion. It plays a vital role in the formation, the development and the present situation of the United States of America. Particularly, Westward Movement has seeped into this young nationality on its cultural influence. However, at the same time Westward Movement is also the Indians’ tragic history. Is Westward Movement civilized or barbaric, successful or not? To answer these questions this thesis mainly analyzes American Westward Movement from a historical angle to help us to recognize American culture and history. For this purpose, this thesis discusses Westward Movement’s influences on American economy, its national characteristic and the formation of its values. Also, the writer reflects its dark side in the thesis.
Key Words
Westward Movement; national character; pioneer; Indian culture
