Way Of Life In The West During The Expansion

The main topic thus far in History class is the Westward expansion. I never really thought about why people wanted to move West. I'm sure alot of people had their reasons for why they chose to do so. However, the West had many advantages and disadvantages to offer. For example, money was a big issue and in life sometimes "money is everything".

Different areas did not obtain the same policies or laws like others. Many individuals looked for the beneficiaries of living, money and rights. Land grant acts were passed and many became overjoyed. The Homestead Act was established saying that certain settlers were offered 160 acres of land if they built a house and farmed for five years. Just like in today's society, "Buy one, get one half off" you think you are getting a bargain but you really are not.

Religious freedom is another advantage the West displayed. Many things were established over time such as, Methodists and Mormons. Sometimes religion tends to be a big part of peoples lives'. It is believed that many Catholics pick their President based on their plans and ideas as well as their religious beliefs. Religion in general, is your overall perspective on different issues.

Next, personal and political freedoms were also looked upon as a big factor. Women began to have more rights than usual. If so, why is it that men are paid more than women and yet they do the same work and have the same position? Even African Americans got a chance to have a voice. The West changed many policies in good ways as well as bad.

All in all, people moved to the West in hope of a better life. You hope for the best and maybe one day blessings will come your way. For instance, many people leave their homeland to get away for many different reasons such as poverty, slavery, and disrespect. You only get one life to live. In the words of Maria Robinson, "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending". Overall this is the way these people wanted and chose to live.