Question

Which groups of people decided to move West? Why did they move?

Answer 1

The majority of the people who moved to the West were the farmers who looked at the opportunity to buy land, start a new life with raising cattle and farmland. Some other groups who moved to the West became loggers, ranchers, and miners. Mormons came to seek religious freedom, missionaries and teachers came to teach the Native and settlers. The land in the West was sold cheap by the government that drew people to move to the West.

Answer 2

Several different groups of people moved West. Among them were Mormons, gold seekers, adventurists and those running away from debt. Reasons for the moves varied but the biggest reason was that people were looking for a fresh start, freedom to practice their religion and just generally a better life.