A Look at Westward Expansion

A Look at Westward Expansion

Many things lead to the westward expansion including that of having just bought the Louisiana Territory and having the US government give away land. Even though to own this land many of the Pioneers and Cowboys had to work on this land. The fertile land was flat and rich which was suitable for the use of newcomers. During the westward expansion many groups of people were affected including that of the Pioneers, Cowboys, and the Native Americans. With that of having just been offered land for “free”, people moved westward to receive this land and gain wealth, these people were known as the Western Pioneers. The Pioneers faced a great number of challenges ahead on the road to the unexplored land of the West. Many of these challenges were those of being inexperienced, and there being no written map of the land they were traveling on. Later on some relied on the few mapped trails that past traveling Pioneers were able to record. Other challenges they faced were; the harsh climate, the rough terrain, and famine. The Pioneers Traveled in large groups known as caravans of wagons, in which allowed them to be equipped in large numbers meaning they would be safe from threats like robbers which were usually one to a few members in a group. They had very little money, only enough for the trip, and to buy land. Those who did reach their desired locations set up log cabins facing a fire, and others that had large families would built a fort large enough to shelter them and also to protect against the dangers which lurked outside like the Native Americans. The Native Americans which were peaceful at first, but due to the westward expansion many became violent towards the Pioneers, Cowboys and Miners since they believed in owning land that did not belong to them. The Native Americans did not like this idea and caused conflict between the groups which lead to them being seen as savages. The US formed treaties with the tribes that made them move towards farther west every time,...

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