Western settlement

Definition

Western settlement refers to the movement of people from eastern regions of the United States towards the western frontier during the 19th century. This migration played a crucial role in expanding American territories and establishing new communities.

Related terms

Homestead Act: The Homestead Act was a law that granted free land to settlers willing to develop it. (e.g., farming) This encouraged further western settlement.

Transcontinental Railroad: The Transcontinental Railroad was a railway system that connected the East and West coasts of America, making transportation faster and easier for settlers moving westward.

Manifest Destiny: Manifest Destiny was an idea popular during this time period that claimed it was America's destiny to expand its territory from coast to coast.