The expansion of the United States across the continent had a profound impact on the character of the land. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the land was largely untouched and inhabited by various Native American tribes who had lived there for thousands of years. As American settlers moved westward, they brought with them new technologies, farming practices, and ways of life that significantly altered the landscape and ecosystems of the continent.
One of the most notable changes that occurred as a result of this expansion was the conversion of vast areas of natural habitat into farmland, cities, and industrial zones. Forests were cleared, grasslands were plowed, and wetlands were drained to make way for human development. This resulted in the loss of countless species of plants and animals, and the disruption of many ecosystems.