Final answer:
American settlement of the interior was first hindered by conflicts with Native American tribes. The philosophy of Manifest Destiny and the challenges of the harsh environment also posed significant obstacles. Government support through forts and the Homestead Act eventually facilitated westward expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The First Obstacle in American Westward Settlement
The first major obstacle which hindered American settlement of the interior of the continent was the struggle with the indigenous populations living on the land. As American settlers moved westward, they came into contact and often conflict with Native American tribes. The indigenous peoples' rights to their lands were seen as an obstacle to the settlers' expansion, which was a key component of the notion of Manifest Destiny. This belief held that it was the divine right of the United States to explore and settle the western territories.
Settlers faced numerous challenges beyond just conflicts with Native Americans. The land in the interior was difficult to farm, and settlers dealt with harsh weather conditions, insects, and a shortage of building materials. The expense of shipping crops or receiving goods via railroad also posed significant financial challenges. Despite this, the Homestead Act of 1862 and the allure of opportunities such as the California Gold Rush encouraged many to persevere through these challenges and move westward, defined by a period of cultural clashes, races, traditions, and economic trials.
Understanding the seriousness of these challenges, the U.S. government built a number of forts to support settlers during their migration westward. Forts such as Fort Laramie provided trading routes and aimed to limit conflict between migrant settlers and local Native American tribes, contributing significantly to the facilitation of westward expansion.