Reasons for westward expansionWho settled on the Great Plains?
A range of push and pull factors led to the settlement of the American West. Conditions were difficult and homesteaders and other settlers had to solve a range of problems to survive and prosper.
Before 1860, few people moved west to try to settle on the Great Plains. The poor soil and harsh climate discouraged them - along with the fact that the Plains were officially Indian territory - land was expensive to buy, and anybody wanting to go west faced a long, dangerous and uncomfortable journey.
After 1865, thousands of settlers moved onto the Plains.
Freed slaves went there to start a new life as freemen, or to escape economic problems after the Civil War.
European immigrants flooded onto the Great Plains, seeking political or religious freedom, or simply to escape poverty in their own country.
Younger sons from the eastern seaboard - where the population was growing and land was becoming more expensive - went because it was a chance to own their own land.
They were followed by other Americans - such as tradesmen and government officials - who hoped to make their living from the farmers who had moved onto the Plains.