Westward Expansion Dbq

westward expansion disrupted native american lives after the civil war due to expansionist invading their lands and taking their freedom, while simultaneously destroying their culture and population. the issue of land was one of the largest controversies pertaining to westward expansion. In an era characterized by rapid population growth and economic depression, the pull to move west was strong in the white settlers hoping for a better life. The Homestead Act further encouraged settlers to migrate west. they were attracted to the idea of mining, ranching and lumbering. Mining for gold and silver, because the west was filled with mining regions (doc d). The completion of the transcontinental railroad required rail lines run through territories