Hello there, i added an answer below that may or may not help you, hope this helps, have a good day ! :) :)
It was a change from Plantation life, the west had very open land, with plenty of resources for civilizations, animals, etc.
In terms of the Gold Rush, gold. In terms of other reasons: more land, property, search for a new life, and new jobs for slaves or free blacks.
9.4m questions
12.2m answers