USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Manifest Destiny was a popular belief in the mid-to-late 19th century. Its proponents claimed that the United States had the divine right to expand westward-meaning that U.S. expansion was the will of God.

Detailed explanation-2: -The philosophy describing the necessary expansion of the nation westward was called Manifest Destiny; the belief that it was our duty to settle the continent, conquer and prosper.

Detailed explanation-3: -Gold rush and mining opportunities (silver in Nevada) The opportunity to work in the cattle industry; to be a “cowboy” Faster travel to the West by railroad; availability of supplies due to the railroad. The opportunity to own land cheaply under the Homestead Act.

Detailed explanation-4: -As it doubled the land area of the U.S., it also increased goods, services and wealth. Some advocates said that not only did the movement increase the size of the country, expanding to other countries and not just states, but it also added to farm lands needed to produce products and poultry.