Answer: Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark Expedition,Manifest Destiny,Gold Rush,Homestead Act,Transcontinental Railroad,
Gold rush and mining opportunities (silver in Nevada) The opportunity to work in the cattle industry; to be a “cowboy” Faster travel to the West by railroad; availability of supplies due to the railroad. The opportunity to own land cheaply under the Homestead Act.
Explanation:The westward expansion in the United States was influenced by several significant events. Here are some key factors that contributed to this expansion:
1. Louisiana Purchase: In 1803, the United States acquired a vast territory known as the Louisiana Purchase from France. This doubled the size of the country and provided an opportunity for westward settlement.
2. Lewis and Clark Expedition: From 1804 to 1806, the Corps of Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, explored the newly acquired territory. Their expedition documented the geography, resources, and Native American tribes of the region, which encouraged further westward exploration and settlement.
3. Manifest Destiny: In the 19th century, the idea of "Manifest Destiny" emerged, which held that it was the United States' destiny to expand from coast to coast. This belief fueled the desire for westward expansion and justified the acquisition of new territories.
4. Gold Rush: The discovery of gold in California in 1848 sparked the California Gold Rush. Thousands of people migrated to the area in search of wealth, leading to a rapid population increase and the need for infrastructure development.
5. Homestead Act: Passed in 1862, the Homestead Act provided 160 acres of public land to settlers willing to develop and improve it. This encouraged individuals and families to move westward and establish farms and communities.
6. Transcontinental Railroad: The completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 connected the East Coast with the West Coast. This made travel and transportation of goods much faster and easier, further facilitating westward migration and economic growth.
These events, among others, contributed to the westward expansion of the United States. They opened up new opportunities for settlement, economic growth, and the spread of American ideals and influence across the continent.