Slide 1

Westward Ho!: Settling of the American WEstUS History: Spiconardi

StarterWhat are some reasons that you would leave your home (White Plains) for another place?

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Reasons Americans Moved WestEscape the destruction of the Civil WarEconomic OpportunitySilver & GoldFarming & Ranching

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Reasons Americans Moved WestEconomic OpportunityThe Homestead Act (1862) Federal government granted 160 acres of land to anyone who lived on the land for five years and improve the land.

How did people move out west?Trains* Well be discussing the Trans-Continental Railroad later this unitWagons

Where did people live when they moved out West?The Great PlainsMost settlers, in the first migration west (1850s), believed the Great Plains could not sustain agriculture since there was little rainfall, butThe Great Plains has rich topsoil, which allows growing crops to overcome drought, insects, and heatRanchers also found that the flat land of the Great Plains was perfect for raising cattleThe Great Plains

Where did people live when they moved out West?Boomtowns a community that experiences a sudden and rapid population & economic growthSettlers moved west in hopes of finding valuable ores, such asGoldSilverZinc CopperLeadValuable ores were found in Montana, Idaho, Colorado, South Dakota and Alaska