Economic: Growth of farming and ranching.
A farming family during westward expansion
As people moved farther west they had access to more and more land that could be used for farming and ranching.This led to the growth of farming and ranching which not only provided families with an infinite food source, but also with cash crops. These cash crops could be sold or traded and by doing this farmers and ranchers earned a large profit. Ranching and farming were not only profitable, but also created jobs and job security because people always need farm goods.
Social: The Wagon Train
A group of people from the a wagon caravan.
While people were moving west they were forced to pack all of their possessions into wagons. Then multiple families would join what was called a wagon train. They would travel together across the country. This brought many people together and for the most part these wagons were a success because people could rely on each other during their long journey. There were, however, a few incidents with certain Wagon trains. Due to the dangerous nature of the journey some people would get lost or injured, some even died. The most well known incident was the Donner Party which was a group of people that were trapped by a river during the winter and forced to eat their livestock to survive. Their was some speculation of cannibalism, but it was later proven by Forensic Anthropologists and Osteologsts.
Political: The Dawes Act
Chiefs meet to discuss reservation
During the Americans' move westward they were slowed down by the Native American population that already resided in the area. The government made many efforts to claim the Native Americans' lands as their own, using mainly violent methods. The government, however, attempted to use political methods to move the Native Americans. They did so using the Dawes Act, which provided the Native Americans with the opportunity to live of different land. The government offered 160 acres per family, but this land forced the Native Americans to live on reservations instead of on their own land which they considered sacred. This plan failed, however, because the Native Americans wanted to keep their sacred land and the traditions that centered around it.
Do These Events Lead to Progress?
The Economic growth of the time can be seen as progress, as well as the Wagon train, but the Dawes and other events of the same nature can not be. The growth of farming and ranching supported America's economy and made way for future economic success. It is for that reason that the economic aspect of Westward expansion is a sign of progress. The wagon train did have its negative aspects, but for the most part it was a success, and brought people together to help each other survive. Therefore the social aspect of westward expansion is considered a sign of progress. The political aspect of westward expansion is an example of the American bias and self-entitled attitude. Therefore it shows regression instead of progress. Overall though, the Westward expansion movement expanded the country and even though the Dawes act and forced removal of the Native people were horrible the time can still be seen as one of progress.