Manifest Destiny: The belief that it was America's destiny to expand its territory from coast to coast, driven by a sense of moral superiority and economic interests.
Oregon Trail: A famous route followed by many pioneers during westward expansion in the mid-1800s, leading them through treacherous terrains from Missouri to Oregon.
Homestead Act: A law passed in 1862 that provided free land to settlers willing to develop and improve it for at least five years. It encouraged further westward expansion by offering an opportunity for land ownership.