Final answer:
Trappers and traders opened up the West by exploring new territories, establishing trade routes, and facilitating trade between different regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Trappers and traders played a crucial role in opening up the West during the westward expansion of the United States. They were the pioneers who explored and established trade routes, paving the way for further exploration and settlement.
Trappers, such as mountain men, ventured into previously unexplored territories to trap furs and establish trading networks with Native American tribes. They helped to chart new territories, gather geographical information, and establish relationships with indigenous peoples.
Traders, on the other hand, played a vital role in facilitating trade between different regions. They transported goods, such as furs, along established trade routes and facilitated the exchange of goods between settlers, trappers, Native Americans, and eastern markets. Traders often established trading posts and forts that served as centers of commerce and gathering points for travelers.
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