Economic Practices

Definition

Economic practices refer to the various methods and systems by which goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed. In the context of westward expansion, these practices were influenced by the drive for land, resources, and new markets, which in turn shaped the social and cultural development of the United States as settlers moved westward. Economic practices during this time included agriculture, trade, and mining, each contributing to the evolving landscape of American society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Economic practices such as farming became prominent as settlers moved west, leading to the establishment of new agricultural communities.
2. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 triggered a massive influx of people seeking fortune, highlighting how mining shaped economic practices.
3. Barter systems were often used in early settlements before established currencies became common, reflecting the transitional nature of economic practices.
4. Trade routes developed as new towns emerged along westward expansion paths, indicating a growing interdependence among communities.
5. Agricultural innovations, including crop rotation and irrigation techniques, significantly improved productivity in newly settled lands.

Review Questions

• How did economic practices impact the settlement patterns during westward expansion?
  • Economic practices significantly influenced settlement patterns as individuals sought opportunities in agriculture, mining, and trade. The promise of fertile land drove many settlers to establish farms along the frontier. Additionally, mining booms attracted populations to specific regions, creating towns focused on resource extraction. These practices not only determined where people settled but also shaped the development of communities and infrastructure in newly acquired territories.
• Discuss the role of government policies in shaping economic practices during the westward expansion period.
  • Government policies such as the Homestead Act played a crucial role in shaping economic practices by incentivizing westward migration through land grants. By offering 160 acres to settlers willing to farm the land for five years, the government encouraged agricultural development and contributed to a growing agrarian economy. Other policies facilitated infrastructure development like railroads, further integrating diverse economic activities across regions and fostering trade.
• Evaluate how cultural attitudes towards land ownership influenced economic practices among settlers during westward expansion.
  • Cultural attitudes towards land ownership were pivotal in influencing economic practices during westward expansion. The belief in Manifest Destiny fueled settlers' motivations to acquire land, viewing it as both a right and a necessity for progress. This mindset led to practices such as squatting on unclaimed land or exploiting treaties with Native Americans to obtain territory. These attitudes not only reflected a sense of entitlement but also impacted social dynamics, leading to conflicts over land use and ownership that shaped the evolving economic landscape.

Related terms

Homestead Act:

A law passed in 1862 that provided 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, encouraging westward migration and agricultural development.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century belief that Americans were destined to expand across North America, driving both economic practices and territorial growth.

Transcontinental Railroad:

A railroad that connected the eastern U.S. to the western territories, facilitating trade and travel and significantly impacting economic practices during westward expansion.