During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, America focused on growth and development. In 1803, America purchased from France 828,000 square miles of land stretching from the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains for the bargain price of $15,000,000. This pristine land had not yet been ravaged by the rigorous process of cotton cultivation, so Southern farmers were excited by the prospect. However, most farmers were also afraid of what they found in the West, whether it be “savages,” dangerous wildlife, or inhospitable terrain. The government believed that American citizens needed to be convinced that traveling west, settling, and stabilizing this new land was a smart thing to do. To convince the population, the government turned to a new medium, photography. The product of this invention amazed and perplexed many viewers who believed that the photos they saw represented the absolute truth. Their ignorance of photographers' selective biases has paved the way for rumors and myths that have pushed many to venture into dangerous areas, without having the slightest idea of ​​what actually awaits them. Photography in the early American West was a tool of manipulation of government interests by portraying the West as a safe land full of opportunity. Many Americans believed they were entitled to the vast land their government had just purchased and even more land to the west. of it. One reason was the incredible sense of superiority Americans felt about their own virtues and their superior form of government. Another reason was that Americans thought that Native Americans did not value the land they occupied and that they should clear it, making it more useful and productive. These reasons were all based on ideology... middle of paper... and 80% of the non-white population declared themselves illiterate in 1870 (National Assessment). Photographs, however, were a universal language. Andrew Jacksons vision of Indian removal was becoming reality faster than he could have ever imagined. Russell presented the importance of railroads throughout the nation reinforcing the idea of ​​expansion of civilization and technological progress. Watkins' photos of Yosemite National Park established it as a national park in 1890 (Yosemite). Sullivan was able to provide a candid view of the early American West, something that most other photographers of the time did not, and in doing so provided a historical vision for the betterment of the nation. The American government's use of compelling imagery during the period of Western expansion was a critical component of the growth the country experienced during the 19th century.