Final answer:
Settlers moved westward towards the Northwest Territory, influenced by events like the California Gold Rush and opportunities like the Homestead Act, as well as the ideology of Manifest Destiny encouraging expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direction of movement of settlers towards the Northwest Territory was westward. This migration was a significant part of the westward expansion during the 19th century, influenced by the California Gold Rush of 1849 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. Settlers pursued land and opportunity via acts such as the Homestead Act of 1862, which provided 160 acres of free land to households willing to move west. Manifest Destiny played a key role in this movement, as it encapsulated the belief of Americans' divine right and duty to expand across North America. Settlers including White Americans, European immigrants, and African Americans escaping Southern racism, embarked on journeys through routes like the Oregon Trail. They encountered various challenges and clashes of culture, races, and traditions, and this complex process shaped America's history and makeup.