Use the chart to help with your response.
Why was the West attractive to so many settlers? Identify one positive effect and one negative effect of the westward movement.
The West was attractive to many settlers for several reasons. Firstly, the availability of cheap or free land was a major draw for settlers. The Homestead Act of 1862 offered 160 acres of land to any citizen or intended citizen who was willing to live on and improve the land for five years. This opportunity for land ownership was particularly appealing to those who were not able to acquire land in the East due to high costs or limited availability.
Another factor that made the West attractive was economic opportunities. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 sparked the Gold Rush, luring miners and prospectors from all over the country. The mining industry brought wealth and economic growth to the West, and other industries such as farming, cattle ranching, and logging also thrived in the region.
One positive effect of the westward movement was the expansion of the United States. The acquisition of new territories through the Louisiana Purchase, the Mexican Cession, and the Oregon Treaty contributed to the nation's growth and increased its geopolitical influence. The settlement of the West helped connect the East and West coasts through the construction of the transcontinental railroad, facilitating trade and communication.
However, the westward movement also had negative effects. One such effect was the displacement and mistreatment of Native American populations. As settlers moved westward, conflicts between Native Americans and settlers escalated, leading to violence and forced relocation. The United States government enacted policies such as the Indian Removal Act, which forcibly relocated indigenous peoples to reservations, often disrupting their traditional ways of life and causing significant suffering.
Additionally, the westward movement resulted in environmental degradation. Large-scale farming, mining, and logging practices often disregarded the preservation of ecosystems and natural resources. Deforestation, soil erosion, and depletion of wildlife populations were observed as settlers sought to exploit the abundant resources in the West, leaving long-lasting environmental impacts.
In conclusion, the West attracted settlers due to the appeal of cheap land and economic opportunities. The positive effect was the expansion of the United States and the development of new industries, while the negative effect included the mistreatment of Native Americans and the environmental degradation caused by unsustainable practices.