Westward expansion in the 19th century was driven by economic, political, and demographic factors, further propelled by the concept of Manifest Destiny and events like the California Gold Rush and the Homestead Act.
Westward expansion during the 19th century was primarily driven by demographic, economic, and political factors. The lure of cheap land in the West due to declining soil fertility in the East, political desires to counterbalance industrialization, and economic motivations like access to west coast ports for trade played significant roles.
Manifest Destiny emerged as a concept justifying American expansion, stating that it was the nation's destiny to spread across North America, influencing the push westward and shaping U.S. foreign policy.
The California Gold Rush of 1849, completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, and acts like the Homestead Act of 1862 further fueled westward migration, marking a significant chapter in American history.
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