How do issues of power, wealth, and morality influence the growth of the United States during the Westward Expansion period?

Issues of power, wealth, and morality had a significant influence on the growth of the United States during the Westward Expansion period, which spanned from the early 1800s through the 1890s.

1. Power: During this period, the concept of "Manifest Destiny" became a driving force, which was the belief that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable. Politicians and citizens felt it was their mission and right to spread democracy and capitalism across the continent. As settlers moved west, the U.S. government tended to support these movements because it strengthened the nation’s claim to new territories before European powers could challenge them.

2. Wealth: The promise of economic opportunities was a significant draw for westward expansion. Settlement of the west was incentivized by the potential for acquiring land and discovering natural resources. The Gold Rush of 1849 is one of the most famous examples of how the pursuit of wealth drove people to migrate west. In addition, the Homestead Act of 1862 allowed people to claim 160-acre plots of land for small fees, encouraging even more to venture west in search of prosperity.

3. Morality: The expansion was accompanied by moral dilemmas. Americans had conflicting views on issues like the treatment of Native Americans and the institution of slavery. While some saw the westward movement as an opportunity to spread Christian and democratic ideals, others recognized the displacement and suffering of indigenous populations. Additionally, the expansion into new territories raised the contentious issue of whether these new states would permit slavery, which heavily influenced political and social discourse during this era.