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Louisiana Purchase
United States bought land from France which doubled the size of the United States. This, while not inevitable, kicked off the expansion of America. -
Native American Displacement
Native Americans, because of states like Georgia's rise in population, were forced out of their homes West. This added upon other factors to make Western expansion inevitable. -
Manifest Destiny
This was the idea that it was God's plan for America to expand westward. This perpetuated the inevitability of westward expansion. -
Oregon Trail
This trail, along with other migration routes, was very important in westward expansion. Things like the economic opportunities and fertile land encouraged people to take the journey to the west. Things like this make it more likely that westward expansion was going to happen no matter what. -
Mexican-American War
The war with Mexico lead to America acquiring vast territories including California, New Mexico, Arizona, and more. It was inevitable that, with America's victory, land would be acquired which expanded America West. -
Gold Rushes
The discovery of gold was another motivating factor for people to travel West and was just one of the many things that made Western expansion inevitable. -
Transcontinental Railroad
This railroad made Eastern to Western travel much easier. This is another factor that made Western expansion inevitable.