Westward Expansion 5-2.1 Analyze the geographic and economic factors that influenced westward expansion and the ways that these factors affected travel and settlement, including physical features of the land; the climate and natural resources; and land ownership and other economic opportunities,.

Mountain ranges, rivers, and deserts formed obstacles to westward migration. Pioneers traveled to points such as St. Louis, which came to be called the “Gateway to the West.”

From the various points, they traveled by covered wagons across trails that had originally been created by Native Americans. Explorers and mountain men followed the Native American trails and guidebooks that helped show the way to travelers. The trails were marked more and more as migrants traveled along these paths. After the Civil War, the transcontinental railroad provided a way for those who had the means to travel to the West.

Migrants first traveled to and settled the west coast. The Great Plains were often called the “Great American Desert.” People didn’t realize the agricultural potential of the dry, flat land. When technology such as the steel plow, the windmill, and the mechanical reaper, “American Breadbasket” would be unleashed.

Steel Plow The steel plow tilled the hard packed earth

Windmill The windmill brought the scarce water to the surface

“American Breadbasket” Seeds such as Russian wheat would grow in the challenging climate

Mechanical Reapers Mechanical reapers would help make the harvest possible

Obstacles Westward migrants had to traverse not only the plains, but also major rivers and the Rocky Mountains. - Traverse- cross/pass through The major rivers systems of the West that had to be crossed were the: Mississippi River Columbia River Colorado River Snake River

Mississippi River

Columbia River

Colorado River

Snake River

Obstacles Trails through the mountains followed passes that were often impassable during spring rains and winter snows. Because of this, it was IMPERATIVE that travelers leave St. Louis on time. If travelers didn’t avoid these circumstances, it would cause disaster for them. The mountain range that migrants passed through during Westward Expansion was the Rocky Mountains.

Obstacles Climate of the West was also a challenge to both travelers and settlers. Hot, dry summers brought drought, dust storms, and swarms of insects. Winters brought snow and the resulting of spring floods Storms often included tornadoes. Unpredictable weather such as early snows or late-spring hailstorms could ruin crops!

Economic Possibilities People could use the land for its resources and move on (fur trade, mining) or settle permanently and use the resources (ranching and farming). The Homestead Act - a special act of Congress (1862) that made public lands in the West available to settlers without payment, usually in lots of 160 acres, to be used as farms.

Economic Possibilities The building of the transcontinental railroads and the government’s generous land grants to the railroads led to the extension of the railroad. The railroads also helped bring settlers to the region. http://study.com/academy/lesson/transcontinental-railroad-construction-history-impact.html

Down Side As the region became more and more populated, the way of life of the Native Americans was greatly affected.