Reasons for Moving West: Political, Economic or Social

Businesses wanted more markets for American goods.

• Political

• Economic

• Social

Natural resources were abundant in the west.

• Political

• Economic

• Social

Many slaves and people with a criminal record moved west to start a new life of freedom where no one could find them.

• Political

• Economic

• Social

As eastern populations grew, people sought more room to expand.

• Political

• Economic

• Social

Belief in Manifest Destiny encouraged Americans to expand outside of the existing U.S. boundaries.

• Political

• Economic

• Social

Many people felt that the Oregon Country would offer a Pacific port for the growing United States trade with China.

• Political

• Economic

• Social

President Polk makes western expansion an important subject during his election.

• Political

• Economic

• Social

Gold was discovered in California causing many to move west in the "Gold Rush" of 1849.

• Political

• Economic

• Social

The Mormon church believers who had been persecuted for their beliefs in the East moved out west to live without persecution.

• Political

• Economic

• Social

Spread Democracy from sea to shining sea!

• Political

• Economic

• Social