What were some factors that made people from the U.S to move to the west in the 1800's during the westward mov

Question

What were some factors that made people from the U.S to move to the west in the 1800's during the westward movement?

Answer 1

The Homestead Act was signed into law in 1862. The act granted free land (160 acres) to any American over 21 years old who could live on the land, build a house (of a certain size) and live there for 5 years.

Answer 2

In migration there's always a "push" and a "pull" factor. Push factors were the failed revolutions in Germany, the bad economy of Sweden and Norway, and the Irish Famine. Pull factors were cheap land for grazing and farming, and gold.

"The second type of migration occurred in sudden, massive spurts, often described as fevers: "Genesee Fever" in the mid-1790s; "Ohio Fever" after 1816; and "Oregon Fever" in the 1840s; and the California Gold Rush. When these fevers swept New England, families who had lived in one place for several generations might suddenly pull up stakes and leave for distant lands in the west."

"USA Migration" : http://www.usgennet.org/family/bliss/states/migrate.htm

Answer 3

I thought a lot of it had to do with the Mormons moving westward and settling because of criticism of their new found religion in the east. (Palmyra, N.Y.). They were threatened by the State Militia and had to move westward to settle. They eventually settled in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Answer 4

well....the roots of the westward expansion lay in mining, and if you think about it, to mine you need lots of tools that only a blacksmith can make. That means big bucks.

Answer 5

The chance to make a fresh start,own land, not be dependent on anyone for their livelihood.

Answer 6

gold