1,2 ---### Westward Expansion and the American Perspective: An Educational Insight#### 1. Changing Views on the American WestUp until 1840, the American West was largely regarded as a vast wasteland, deemed unsuitable for habitation. Major Stephen Long went so far as to label it a "great American Desert." However, starting in the 1840s, this perception began to shift dramatically. What were the reasons behind this change in perspective?- **Option 1:** Americans were convinced both ideologically, with ideas such as Manifest Destiny, and economically by opportunities to go West.- **Option 2:** European powers were attempting to settle the American West, necessitating the U.S. population to secure its rich natural resources and territorial areas for the rapidly growing American population.- **Option 3:** The American government believed that building an intercontinental railroad westward would enable America to access the wealth and resources of China and Japan through trade.- **Option 4:** Americans were warned of the dangers of allowing unchecked native populations to continue to control the West and the potential threat they might pose to America.#### 2. Incentives for Settlers: The Homestead ActThe Federal Government provided numerous incentives for settlers to move West. One significant incentive was known as the Homestead Act. What conditions did a settler need to fulfill to take full possession of property after five years?- **Option 1:** The homesteader had to assist in establishing townships, adding infrastructure such as post offices, markets, and railroad stations.- **Option 2:** The homesteader had to pay a $50 yearly fee to the Federal Government and make material improvements, such as assisting in the construction of roads to their property to encourage other settlers to move to the region.- **Option 3:** The homesteader had to make improvements to the land, such as building homes, barns, and fencing.- **Option 4:** The homesteader had to demonstrate that they could run a successful farm on the property after five years, thus generating sufficient income to pay taxes on the property.Understanding these historical incentives and perceptions provides valuable insight into how and why American expansion was so fervently pursued during this era.---

The United States Congress passed the Homestead Act in 1862. Any adult resident or household head…

1 The American West until 1840 was seen as a vast wasteland, unsuitable for habitation. Major Stephen Long went so far as to claim it was nothing more than a, "great American Desert. However, starting in the 1840s, that view began to shift. What changed their perspective? Americans we convinced both ideologically, with ideas such of Manifest Density, and economic opportunities to go West. European powers were attempting to settle the American West, and thus the United States population had to go an secure its rich natural resources and territorial areas to provide living space for the rapidly growing american population. The American government was convinced that building a intercontinental railroad west would allow for America to access the wealth and resources of China and Japan through trade. Americans were warned of the dangers of allowing unchecked native populations to continue to control the West, and the eventual threat they might pose to America.

1 The American West until 1840 was seen as a vast wasteland, unsuitable for habitation. Major Stephen Long went so far as to claim it was nothing more than a, "great American Desert. However, starting in the 1840s, that view began to shift. What changed their perspective? Americans we convinced both ideologically, with ideas such of Manifest Density, and economic opportunities to go West. European powers were attempting to settle the American West, and thus the United States population had to go an secure its rich natural resources and territorial areas to provide living space for the rapidly growing american population. The American government was convinced that building a intercontinental railroad west would allow for America to access the wealth and resources of China and Japan through trade. Americans were warned of the dangers of allowing unchecked native populations to continue to control the West, and the eventual threat they might pose to America.