American History Response needed “1 paragraph or less”

 The  five factors that led to westward expansion was the increase in  population, new opportunities (economic), social, political and slavery.  The increase in population made the current territories crowded and  opportunities did not seem as abundant, so individuals sought out new  territories. In expanding to new territories would bring about the  potential of new economic opportunities which equates to labor, wealth  and status. The social and politic ideas allowed individuals more of a  choice rather than by majority or force.  Lastly, slavery impacted  economic opportunities and there was a lot of controversy if slavery  should continue in the western territories. I believe the two factors  that were most significant in getting Americans to migrate west are  population increase the (economic) new opportunities. The start of the  expansion began with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, President Thomas  Jefferson negotiated the land for purchase which eventually turned into  14 states. Americans eventually negotiated further west to acquire  Oregon and California (Gold Rush) among many others. Gold, silver and  the Homestead Act are some of the many factors why individuals decided  to move rest (land and opportunity).