Final answer:
The settlement of the West had both positive and negative effects on the American society, ranging from increased mobility and hoped-for prosperity to debt, bankruptcy, and cultural displacement. The Homestead Act and Manifest Destiny played key roles in this movement, which reshaped America's political, economic, and social landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Western Expansion on American Society
The question whether people were more positively affected by the settlement of the West touches on the complex consequences of the westward expansion in American history. Promoters of the West envisioned it as a solution to urban blight and industrial strife; by relocating to the West, people could escape exploitative working conditions and create prosperous homesteads. The Homestead Act of 1862 facilitated this movement by granting land for settlement leading to the establishment of new farms, towns, and markets for manufactured goods, which in turn promised to renew urban areas as well. Moreover, this westward movement also encouraged greater mobility and the spread of democratic values.
However, the reality included significant hardships and cultural conflicts. Not all settlers succeeded, many found themselves in debt or bankruptcy, leading to an East-West divide in perception and policy. Additionally, native populations faced displacement, and the promise of economic opportunity for settlers often resulted in hard, long-term wage labor for many. The theory of Manifest Destiny further justified the expansion but masked the complex socio-economic interactions that characterized the era.
Ultimately, the impact of the settlement of the West on people's lives was multifaceted, with both positive and negative outcomes, greatly shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of America.