Westward Expansion Research Paper

There are countless reasons why many settlers moved westward. For example, one of the reasons why settlers moved to the west is because of the recently discovered gold in California. According to Document 2: Crossing over the Great Plains by ox-wagons, “..there was much talk and excitement over the news of the great gold discoveries in California..” In addition to that, gold was a way for people to become wealthy, and start a new life. Moreover, a second reason why is that the Government was offering a large amount of land for a fair price. Document 3: Homestead, specifically states that the settlers will receive 160 acres of land for $10.00, if they are able to maintain and farm on it for 5 years. In addition to that, giving away all this land made people much more eager to populate the west. Furthermore, a third reason why is that the land being sold was described as very resourceful. Document 6: Grand Rush for the Indian Territory!, specifically states that the western lands were

The Journey of moving west was a big deal back then do to transportation and technology. But have you ever wondered why people wanted to move west? Or why people were leaving the land they grew up on? A majority of people going west started in Missouri, other starting points included Nebraska and Iowa. The people that decided to go on this journey wanted to escape one of the many problems that was going on in the east. Some of the problems were economic and religious problems. Some of the people on this trip were runaway slaves looking to start fresh or a criminal that was running away from their crimes. Another reason people went to Oregon was to get there riches in gold by mining.

In the mid-1800s, many Americans began to move westward, with a variety of motivations. Farmers were drawn west by all of the fertile, open land in the west, offered to them cheap by the Homestead Act. The California Gold Rush was another reason many moved west. Gold was discovered in California, and miners flocked there, hoping to strike it rich. Additionally, cattle ranchers were attracted to the west because their beef cattle thrived on the abundant grasses and open range of the Great Plains. Later on, newly built railroads, including the first transcontinental railroad, made transportation of people and goods west much more feasible, and opened the West to rapid settlement (History Alive). Although Westward Expansion was a time of full

The many americans that moved for lots of reasons. the women moved so then they could get expand there rights. the white settlers pushed westward becasue they had differnt ideas about land ownership. Gold was discovered so when many people found out it was a rush to get there first. Gold was a big thing back then and it was alot of money if you got a big nugget. Mining towns popped up everywhere when people heard there were tons of mineral resources for them to use. they were then called boom towns becasue of the population and it was a booming town and a good business. Some push and pull factors are that when americans moved west they did it for bigger and better land. Some push factors were settlers couldnt find good jobs or had trouble

     The west was rich in natural minerals such as gold, silver, and coal. These natural resources and the prospect of making a quick profit brought many young men to the west. These emigrants were not looking to settle, but to make a quick profit and return home. Cities like Portland, San Antonio, and Denver practically grew overnight as people flocked to get their share of the gold, as seen in Document D and G. News of

During the 19th century, the United States was rapidly expanding its territories. In 1803, Thomas Jefferson bought the territory known as Louisiana from the French for $15 million dollars. Later in 1845, the United States took control over the Republic of Texas making it an official state. Closely following, the Oregon territory was handed over from the English because of the Oregon Treaty in 1846; soon after Mexico was won in 1848. With all the newly acquired land, immigrants came pouring into the West looking for new opportunities and to change their lives by the promise of the undiscovered land. Three main groups of people moved west to lead new lives; cattlemen, miners, and western farmers made up a majority

Throughout history, many debates have occurred over national events. Whether it be the Civil War or the robotic revolution, each event leaves behind a mark on our history, changing our nation. In addition, these events also spark controversy among the American people. One of these moments that many people look back on with either support or opposition is the western expansion of the United States. This topic of the United States expansion was a highly controversial topic among people.

Development in the West did not occur until later in American History. Although the West was seen as a large desert, the West quickly became the target behind the expansionist campaigns of the United States during the 18th century. Many settlers travelled to the West, dreaming of the idea of opportunities. Although factors such as Native Americans, motivations and railroads played a large role in shaping the West, their influence came about only as the result of the inherent economic potential of the region, as well as the incredibly diverse climate which outnumbered all else in the development in the West.

During the westward expansion there were some big problems between the U.S. and the Native Americans. The American wanted their land to farm on, and there was alot of gold in the California area. The main conflicts were the environment, the U.S. government, and how they felt about each other.

The 1800s the United states was eager for new land. With population booming westward expansion seemed to be the only option. The term manifest destiny start from john l O'sullivan in the mid 1800s. O'sullivan said that the United states was destined to expand from coast to coast. At the time the land belongs to others and the U.S tried to be civilized with treaties and other but when this didn't worked turned to violence and war to get what they wanted. However the U.S started making its way westward long before manifest destiny was a thing.

The American Expansion West was a huge, uniting shift in American history. It was a time with Improved Agricultural Land and States and Territories opened. Major Cities like Omaha, Denver, and San Francisco were allowed to connect with the East Coast, grow and flourish . Railroad Networks were so awesome that they inspired new settlers to the United States. The most important developments during the western expansion was the intercontinental railway system. This system opened up the west and helped America to expand and grow into one nation. The opportunity and symbolism of the intercontinental railroad reached across the nation and even overseas.

Moving West would give them the opportunity to observe and discover new homes and work. They could also experience and explore adventures and possibilities of becoming wealthy. The reference information in title WESTWARD EXPANSION states that “Many of these immigrants suffered, or worse, died from thirst in

Many people moved out west during the 1865’s through 1896 due to the mining frontier. Colonel George discovered gold on the Sioux land. The discover of gold attracted majority of the white population and wealth towards the west. Although the motivation for moving out west was significant, there were obstacles in the way towards getting west. Families who wanted to go west usually got the worst land because land-grabbing promoters and corporations stole most of the good land and families were financially set back due to the droughts out west.

This text is a sampling of times, places, and people of the Westward Expansion. A teacher teaching the Westward Expansion will find historical images and stories behind the historical times and the sheet music that correlates to the topics. This cross-curricular resource allows for the stories to be read and the pictures to study, and ultimately the music to be incorporated into the classroom learning. Ultimately this book can be utilized to bring adventure, danger, dreams, and the realities of American life during the Westward Expansion to come alive for students. This will make history fun for all students, allowing students to build more of a connection to the past. This is another great resource but because I don’t teach Western Expansion

During the westward expansion the Indians were the only Texans who had any real knowledge of the land west of the present day Interstate Highway 35. Soon settlers began to push homesteads farther west into this uncharted region. The new explorers faced several dangers such as weather, water shortages, and uncertain relations with Indians. New explorations and developments in transportation and establishments brought more movement to the west. Residents began arriving in the west hoping to get rich land and political representation. The men and women who went out to establish the last frontier lived lives that would decisively shape the American character. The settlement of the frontier was driven by profit and political purpose. U.S. citizens pursued the work and adventure of subduing their country’s last frontier. Settling the frontier brought out the best and worst in people of all varieties that wanted to make their mark in the west.