Heading into the West
What was the Homestead Act, and how did it encourage westward expansion?
The Homestead Act of 1862 gave 160 acres of free land to settlers who agreed to live on and improve the land for at least five years. It encouraged many to move west in search of land and opportunity.
What was the National Road?
The National Road, also called the Cumberland Road, was the first major federally funded highway in the U.S. It began in Maryland and eventually stretched into Illinois, helping connect the East to the West.
What role did gold play in westward movement?
The discovery of gold, especially during the California Gold Rush of 1849, drew thousands of settlers and immigrants to the West, hoping to strike it rich.
How were roads improved during westward expansion?
Roads were built with gravel, stone, and later asphalt to make them more durable. Engineers also created corduroy roads (logs laid side-by-side) to cross muddy areas.
What was the most famous canal in U.S. history?
The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, connected the Hudson River in New York to the Great Lakes. It made New York City a major trade center and boosted the economy of the entire Northeast.
What impact did westward expansion have on Native Americans?
It led to the displacement of many Native American tribes, loss of their land, broken treaties, forced relocations (like the Trail of Tears), and violent conflicts.
What role did private companies play in road building?
Many roads were built by private companies that charged tolls. These were called turnpikes. Travelers had to pay to use them, which helped fund maintenance and construction.
What is meant by “The Age of Steam”?
It’s the time during the 1800s when steam engines powered transportation and machines, changing how people traveled, worked, and lived—especially with the rise of steamboats and railroads.
What was the main idea behind “Manifest Destiny”?
Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was America’s God-given right and duty to expand westward across the continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
Why were better roads needed in the early 1800s?
As settlers moved west and trade increased, the old dirt paths and trails became difficult to use—especially in bad weather. Better roads were needed to move people, goods, and mail more quickly and safely.
What is a canal?
A canal is a man-made waterway built to connect rivers, lakes, or oceans so that boats and ships can transport goods and people more easily
What were some challenges pioneers faced while heading west?
Pioneers faced harsh weather, disease, lack of food and water, dangerous terrain, and sometimes conflicts with Native American tribes.
How did better roads help westward expansion?
Improved roads allowed settlers to travel more easily into new territories, promoted trade, and helped deliver mail and supplies. They made westward migration faster and safer.
How did steamboats change transportation?
Steamboats made river travel faster and two-way. Before steam power, boats could only float downstream easily. Now, they could travel up rivers like the Mississippi, helping trade and travel.