Concept

Economic Opportunity

Economic incentives were central to westward migration, attracting settlers, immigrants, and entrepreneurs.

## Context Economic incentives were central to westward migration, attracting settlers, immigrants, and entrepreneurs. ## Key Features Homesteading and land grants Mining booms (gold, silver, etc.) Railroad expansion ## Impact Rapid population growth in the West Boomtowns and economic cycles Environmental transformation ## Historical Interpretations Debate over who benefited most and the costs to indigenous peoples. ## Related Concepts Homestead Act Transcontinental Railroad Gold Rush ## Examples in History California Gold Rush (1849) Comstock Lode Cattle drives ## Primary Source Evidence Land grant documents, mining claims