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The United States a major victory over France through the Louisiana purchase. This doubled the size of the country and provided ample land for westward expansion. -
Lewis and Clark expedition explored the newly acquired Louisiana territory mapping the land and establishing American presence in the west -
The concept of Manifest Destiny fueled the belief that it was Americas destiny to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean. This idea shaped policies and actions that promoted westward expansion. -
The opening of the Oregon Trail facilitated migration to the west, allowing thousands of settlers to travel to Oregon, and other western territories -
Gold rushes specifically the California Gold Rush, attracted prospectors, and settlers, seeking fortune, leading to increased settlement in the west -
This act provided free land to settlers willing to live on and cultivate it, incentivizing migration and settlement in the western territories -
The completion of the railroad connected the East and West coast of the United States, making travel and transportation of goods easier and faster further encouraging westward expansion