Westward Expansion
Matthew
Economic Reasons
The U.S had a Growing Population, and wanted to expand the country, also known as the Manifest Destiny
The west had great farm land for farmers
Industry had great natural resources
Social Reasons
Many Indians, because of the population boom in the East, Indians had to move west because lack of options.
Many wanted to flee the Mexican War.
Political Reasons
U.S. just bought California, and more and more land in the west. (Louisiana Purchase, Mexican Cession.)