AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Causes of Western Settlement (Day 162/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Causes of Western Settlement as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

American Progress, Wikimedia Commons

Prior to the Civil War, the ideology of Manifest Destiny spurred significant migration to the West. After the war, these efforts were renewed with even greater intensity.

Poster advertising the Homestead Act of 1862, United States Senate

The federal government supported westward settlement through treaties with American Indians which opened new lands. Additionally, they passed legislation which incentivized, assisted, and encouraged settlers in their migrations.

Railroads Built in the Late 1800s, National Geographic

With the emergence of transcontinental railroads, an unprecedented number of people moved west. With the ease of transportation by rail versus wagon train around 4.5 million emigrants made the journey between 1877 and 1887.

Poster advertising departure of two steamboats from St. Louis to Fort Benton, April 2, 1863, Montana.Gov

While several factors influenced this mass migration, the economic opportunities were a primary motive for many. The mining, farming, and ranching industries boomed and created many possibilities for financial advancement.

In the second half of the 19th century, massive western settlement emerged due to federal support for migration, the emergence of transcontinental railroads, and economic opportunities.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Transcontinental Railroad in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!