Which were economic motives for westward expansion in the first half of the 19th century?

Select all that apply.

• finding land to give to newly freed slaves

reaching the California coast for trade

learning farming techniques from American Indians

natural resources like farmland and rich mines

reaching the California coast for trade and natural resources like farmland and rich mines.

The economic motives for westward expansion in the first half of the 19th century were:

- Reaching the California coast for trade
- Natural resources like farmland and rich mines

To determine the economic motives for westward expansion in the first half of the 19th century, we need to evaluate each option and select the ones that apply.

1. Finding land to give to newly freed slaves:
While westward expansion did increase the availability of land, it wasn't primarily motivated by finding land to give to newly freed slaves. This option is not directly related to the economic motives for westward expansion.

2. Reaching the California coast for trade:
This option aligns with the economic motives for westward expansion. The desire to access the California coast for trade with Asia was a significant economic incentive for expanding west.

3. Learning farming techniques from American Indians:
While the exchange of farming techniques did occur between settlers and American Indians, it wasn't a primary economic motive for westward expansion. This option is not directly related to the economic motives for westward expansion.

4. Natural resources like farmland and rich mines:
This option aligns with the economic motives for westward expansion. The availability of natural resources, such as fertile farmland and rich mines, was an essential economic driver for westward expansion.

Based on the above analysis, the economic motives for westward expansion in the first half of the 19th century include:
- Reaching the California coast for trade
- Natural resources like farmland and rich mines