Abstract

The Westward Movement is not only a course of American western development, but also a process of American urbanization, industrialization and the integration of American nations. It has a profound influence on American national spirit. It has cultivated American pioneering spirit, developed a sense of democracy in American politics and society, given birth to the pragmatism philosophy and cultivated the ideology of American-style freedom, equality and competition. Besides, it has also created American brave and adventurous spirit, cultivated American optimistic and enterprising spirit, and strengthened American individualism. In a word, it promotes the formation of American national values and the shaping of American national character. Meanwhile, the western culture further publicizes American ethos.
This paper mainly studies the influence of the Westward Movement on American national spirit. It consists of four parts. The first part is an overview of the Westward Movement. The second part analyzes its influence on American national spirit. The third part further explores the influence of the western culture on American national spirit. Finally, the paper sums up its revelation on China’s western development.
Through a deep analysis of the influence of the Westward Movement on American national spirit, this paper might help readers understand the significance of the western development on China’s modernization. At the same time, the author also hopes to provide reference to cultivate and promote Chinese national spirit. 

Key words: Westward Movement; National Spirit; Western Culture; China’s Western Development

摘  要

西进运动是美国人对西部的开发过程，也是美国城市化、工业化的过程，更是美利坚民族大融合的过程。西进运动对美国民族精神产生了深远的影响。它培育了美国人民的开拓精神，发展了美国政治与社会的民主意识，催生了实用主义哲学观，培植了“美国式的自由、平等和竞争”的思想意识；此外，西进运动也造就了美国人勇敢与冒险的精神，炼就了美国人乐观进取的精神，强化了美国的个体主义思想。同时西部文化进一步宣扬了美国民族精神。
本论文主要研究西进运动对美国民族精神的影响。它分为四个部分。第一部分是西进运动概要。第二部分分析西进运动对美国民族精神的影响。第三部分探索西部文化对美国民族精神的影响。第四部分总结西进运动对中国西部大开发的启示。
通过深入分析西进运动对美国民族精神的影响，本论文可帮助读者理解中国西部大开发对中国现代化建设的重大意义,同时作者也希望为培育和弘扬中华民族精神提供借鉴。

关键词：西进运动；民族精神；西部文化；中国西部大开发