Westward Expansion After the Civil War larger numbers of settlers flooded into the vast western area called the Great Plans.

Physical features of the Great Plans. A.FLATLANDS A. FLATLANDS THAT RISE GRADUALLY FROM EAST TO WEST. A. FLATLANDS THAT RISE GRADUALLY FROM EAST TO WEST. B. VERY DRY - LOW RAINFALL B. VERY DRY - LOW RAINFALL C. FREQUENT DUST STORMS C. FREQUENT DUST STORMS

Why did Americans traveled to unknown territories ?  Americans spread into the West in large numbers after the Civil War ended (1865). A.Opportunities for land ownership B.Technological advances, such as the Transcontinental Railroad. C. C. D. D. E.

The perception of the Great Plains changed after the Civil War. Once seen as a “treeless wasteland” but increasingly seen as a good place to farm due to advances (new inventions and adaptations ) made farming seem more ……… Once seen as a “treeless wasteland” but increasingly seen as a good place to farm due to advances (new inventions and adaptations ) made farming seem more ……… Steel plows sod houses barbwire Steel plows sod houses barbwire windmills dry farming techniques windmills dry farming techniques Wheat farming beef cattle raising railroads Wheat farming beef cattle raising railroads

Advertisements Railroads used advertisements in order to encourage Americans to settle on the Great Plains.

Technological Advances Faster and easier transportation………

Discovery of Gold and Silver  The gold rush of 1849 excited people at the hopes of becoming rich!  Miners spread from California, to Nevada to the Dakotas  Few got rich

Homestead Act (1862) offered free land.

Opportunities for former enslaved African Americans

Transcontinental Railroad Central Pacific Railroad (built from Central Pacific Railroad (built from California -> East) and the Union Pacific (built from Nebraska East) and the Union Pacific (built from Nebraska <- West) met to connect the country Many immigrants were needed for work Many immigrants were needed for work

Adventure For many people, the West For many people, the West seemed to hold the promise of unlimited possibilities. It gave a chance to live an It gave a chance to live an independent life, far from the independent life, far from the crowded cities and factories of the East.