Identify the statements that describe westward migration and the factors that contributed to the movement in the 1840s.

Question: Identify the statements that describe westward migration and the factors that contributed to the movement in the 1840s.

The westward migration in the 1840s was a significant movement in American history, characterized by a mass exodus of settlers seeking new opportunities beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This movement was driven by several factors, including the concept of Manifest Destiny, which held that American expansion was both justified and inevitable. Economic motivations played a crucial role, as the promise of abundant land in the West appealed to those seeking to own property and establish farms. The availability of cheap, fertile land was particularly enticing compared to the exhausted soils of the East. Political factors also influenced the migration; the desire to solidify American claims over territories before European powers could establish a foothold was paramount. Additionally, the allure of independence and the potential for upward mobility contrasted sharply with the rigid class structures of Europe, drawing many to the frontier. The Oregon Trail became a popular route, with over a thousand pioneers making the journey during the "Great Emigration" of 1843. However, this expansion was not without its consequences, as it led to the displacement of Native American tribes and heightened tensions over the extension of slavery into new territories, culminating in legislative measures like the Missouri Compromise. The westward migration thus reflects a complex interplay of ideological, economic, and political elements that shaped the United States during the 19th century.