How Did Westward Expansion Changed America

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Because different things came together as America moved west to create a new environment, Westward Expansion is like the reactions between different chemicals. Most of Westward Expansion happened during the late 1700’s to 1800’s. Westward Expansion was a very significant event in United States history; the problems it caused changed America forever, it negatively impacted the Native American population, and it altered the lifestyle of all Americans. First, the way the problems caused by Westward Expansion and the still young United States was like the combination of hydrogen and oxygen. Two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen make water, which is beneficial in average amounts but is easy to drown in if there are large amounts of it and no one has any focus. In the …show more content…
Next, the Northerners and Southerners disagreed on slavery, and they each wanted their own values to reflect onto the Louisiana Territory (Raum). Slavery and racism were huge problems, and the small arguments and large disagreements based around slaves built up to cause the Civil War. Finally, according to Collins, “The Transcontinental Railroad changed the country's economy. Businesses now sold products to people hundreds of miles away. New towns and factories began to appear along the railroad routes” (Collins). Because America was quickly growing in size, there needed to be an economy to support it. The Transcontinental Railroad allowed people to travel across the country. So, unlike the other problems caused by Westward Expansion, this one didn’t end badly, instead, it helped America grow. In conclusion, the problems caused by Westward Expansion changed America forever, for both better and worse. Second, the reaction between Westward Expansion and the Native American population was like the potentially lethal vapors created when bleach and ammonia are