1. How were native populations impacted by Westward Expansion? 2. Why did many Americans migrate West?

1. **Impact of Westward Expansion on Native Populations:** Westward Expansion had a devastating impact on Native American populations. Forced removal from ancestral lands was a common occurrence, often carried out through treaties that were later broken or manipulated. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 exemplifies this, leading to events like the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Cherokee people died during their forced relocation. Loss of land led to the destruction of traditional ways of life, including hunting grounds and sacred sites. Conflicts with settlers and the U.S. Army were frequent, resulting in significant loss of life and the confinement of many tribes to reservations. Disease brought by European settlers also decimated Native populations, as they lacked immunity. The overall impact was a dramatic decline in Native American populations and the erosion of their cultures.<br /><br />2. **Reasons for Westward Migration:** Several factors motivated Americans to migrate westward during the 19th century.<br /><br />* **Economic Opportunity:** The promise of cheap land, particularly through the Homestead Act of 1862, attracted many farmers and laborers seeking a fresh start and the chance to own property. The discovery of gold in California and other western territories spurred further migration, as people hoped to strike it rich. The expansion of railroads also created new economic opportunities, both in construction and in the industries that followed.<br />* **Land Availability:** The vast, relatively unpopulated lands of the West offered the potential for expansion and growth that the East Coast increasingly lacked. This was particularly appealing to those feeling crowded or landless in the East.<br />* **Manifest Destiny:** This widely held belief asserted that it was America's God-given right and duty to expand its territory and influence across the continent. This ideology fueled westward expansion and justified the displacement of Native Americans.<br />* **Adventure and a New Start:** The West symbolized opportunity and a chance to escape the constraints of established society in the East. For some, it was a chance to reinvent themselves and build a new life.<br />* **Religious Freedom:** Some groups, like the Mormons, migrated west seeking religious freedom and the ability to establish their own communities away from persecution.<br />