1. Manifest Destiny The belief that America should spread from coast to coast

2. Economic  Belief that people could become more wealthy (Gold rush, natural resources-land, timber)  Land speculators bought huge tracts of land and sold it for a profit

3. Political  Fear of Spanish, French, English, and Mexican power  Desire to spread Democracy and the American way of life.  Desire to spread the institution of slavery

4. Social  Belief that all people should own plot of land to keep the country free  People wanted to find new ways of life  Racism- removal of Native American  Escape from religious persecution (Mormons)