With a staggering list of effects, the expansion was a viable event that could go undiscussed. First, we see the most desired effect most settlers were looking for: money. While moving west, the United States was able to expand economically. Because of the improvements in transportation, America became less difficult to access. The newly introduced steamboats and railroads were able to connect the nation. Because of the Transcontinental Railroad, we witnessed the growth of many industries: coal, steel, manufacturing, etc. With optimal travel routes, Americans can now make a steady presence in countries such as Japan and China. With an introduction to international trade and markets, we could see the United States encountering a rise in imports and exports. The expansion has established the current way America's trading markets and transportation are conducted; it is an important stepping stone to our immense network of trade and economics to this day. The Westward expansion also caused drastic environmental effects. Simply put, while moving west, many land alterations were made, whether they were purposeful or
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