why did americans want to move west
There were several reasons why Americans wanted to move west:
1) Economic Opportunities: The West offered abundant natural resources like fertile land for farming, timber for construction, and minerals for mining. Many Americans believed they could find better economic opportunities by moving west and cultivating these resources.
2) Manifest Destiny: The concept of Manifest Destiny played a significant role in the westward expansion. It was the belief that it was America's destiny to expand its territory from coast to coast. Many Americans saw moving west as a way to fulfill this ideology and spread American values and institutions.
3) Land Ownership: The West provided an opportunity for individuals to own and cultivate their own land. In the eastern states, land was becoming scarce and expensive, making it difficult for average citizens to own property. Moving west offered a chance for people to start anew and own their own land.
4) Adventure and Exploration: Moving west was seen as an adventure and an opportunity for exploration. It offered a chance to escape the crowded cities of the East and embark on a new and exciting journey into the unknown.
5) Escape from Religious Persecution: Some religious groups, such as the Mormons, moved west to escape religious persecution and establish their own communities where they could freely practice their beliefs.
It is important to note that while many Americans were motivated by these reasons, the westward expansion also resulted in the displacement and mistreatment of Native American populations and contributed to conflicts and tensions between settlers and Native tribes.