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What Role Did The Natural Environment Play In The Development Of The West Dbq

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From 1840 - 1890 the west became a target for United States expansionist campaigns. Motivated by the many job and life opportunities offered by this new land, people flocked by the droves to the West. Although ideological factors formed a small role in this trend, the natural resources, new technologies, and abundant land played the major roles in the development of the West beyond the Mississippi. For starters, the fertility and abundance of the West encouraged settlers into its land, and influenced the lives they led once they established there. The rich soil, pastures for grazing, and precious natural minerals led to the settlement of thousands of miners, ranchers, and farmers. The survival of these new migrants was dependent on the natural environment of the land. This heavily influenced their way of life. For instance, the frequent deserts between areas created an uneven population spread in the West (Document A). In areas with abundant natural resources and favorable conditions, large populations would be conglomerated, such as in the case of San Francisco (Document D). Such areas economically flourished, while the more desolate areas are comparatively underdeveloped to this day. …show more content…

For example, the fierce competition over land and resources among Caucasians led to the ignoring and further decimation of the Native Americans who had occupied the land for generations (Document H). The Cuacasions did not stop at taking the land, they completely altered it to fit their economic and ideological desires. This trend of Othering and villainizing the Native Americans as an excuse to rip away their land is an idea that continues into modern day, and has deeply influenced Western

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