Between 1801 and 1861, people were encouraged to explore and settle the west. The United States quickly grew. Most Americans believed it was their natural rights, given by God, to expand the country all the way across North America.
The belief that the United States should stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean became known as Manifest Destiny. Americans believed that they were meant to take this land and build a great American civilization.
In part, Manifest Destiny came from the view that the American lifestyle was superior to that of the Indians. There was a belief that the Indians, like the west, were uncivilized and had no rules or government.
Manifest Destiny was a popular topic in political speeches and newspapers all over the country.
Missionaries moved across the Mississippi River first, hoping to convert American Indians to Christianity and teach them how to farm, dress, and live like white people. Soon, more settlers traveled west to farm, establish towns, start businesses, and mine for gold.
Many people thought of the land as empty and available. However, American Indians had been living on the land and using it for thousands of years. Over time, settlers pushed the American Indians off of their land.
Westward migration was influenced by geography and economic opportunity. The population in the eastern United States continued to grow. Cities there became larger and more crowded.
Land was too expensive for many people to afford. Many people saw moving west as an opportunity to improve their lives and their fortunes! Besides manifest destiny, what are the reasons led to westward expansion?
Fertile land out west was abundant and cheap. Sometimes, the US government even gave it away for free to people who agreed to make it their home.
Opportunities to make money farming, login, and by starting their own businesses drew many people west. The discovery of gold in California encouraged even more people to head west.
Slave saw an opportunity to live freely if they could manage to escape the south. The west was an area where everyone could have a fresh start.
Canals, such as the Erie canal, along with steamboat and railroads made it easier and cheaper to get part of the way west. Pioneers traveled the rest of the way in wagons on Pats like the Oregon and Santa Fe trails.
Fur traders moved west to collect furs of beavers, buffalo, and other wild animals. They trapped some animals themselves, they also traded for furs with the Indians. They then sold the furs to Europeans, who made them into clothing.
This trade helped mix the Indian and European cultures. Some fur traders adopted American Indian customs. Indians were introduced to products like tobacco, coffee, tin cups, knives, and other manufactured goods.