Explain how the geography of the West influenced its settlement.

The geography of the American West significantly influenced its settlement patterns and historical development. Here are some key ways in which the West's geography shaped settlement:

1. Mountains and Terrain: The rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains and other mountain ranges acted as a barrier to westward movement. However, once passes such as the South Pass were discovered, these routes allowed migrants to move westward, though with considerable difficulty.

2. The Great Plains: East of the Rockies lies the Great Plains. This vast expanse initially appeared inhospitable to early settlers due to its perceived lack of trees and water. Over time, however, innovations such as dry farming, windmills for water extraction, and the introduction of new grasses for grazing made agriculture possible, attracting farmers and ranchers to the area.

3. Climate and Environment: The semi-arid and arid climates of much of the West required settlers to adapt new farming and irrigation techniques. The development of irrigation systems, such as those in California's Central Valley, allowed for the cultivation of diverse crops in areas that otherwise would not have supported traditional agriculture.

4. Gold Rush and Mining: The discovery of precious metals in various locations, most famously at Sutter's Mill in California in 1848, led to a rapid influx of people seeking their fortunes. Mining towns sprang up almost overnight, though many would become ghost towns once the easy-to-extract minerals were depleted.

5. Railroads: The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 dramatically impacted the settlement of the West. It provided a faster, safer, and more economical way to transport goods and people across the continent. Towns and cities grew up around major railway hubs and along the routes.

6. Government Policies: The Homestead Act of 1862 offered settlers 160 acres of public land for a modest filing fee if they improved it over five years. This and other land grant policies encouraged individuals and families to move and settle in the West.

All these factors combined, along with the broader notion of Manifest Destiny, led to the settlement and eventual development of the American West by diverse groups of people seeking opportunity and a new start.