Question

Was the goal of Westward Expansion to expand slavery into the western territories?

Answer 1

Answer:

No, the goal of the Westward Expansion was not to expand slavery. The Louisiana Purchase sparked a 19th-century migration (The Westward Expansion) of people into the American West, which was spurred by the Gold Rush, the Oregon Trail, and a belief in "manifest destiny." The Louisiana Purchase sparked a 19th-century migration of people into the American West, which was spurred by the Gold Rush, the Oregon Trail, and a belief in "manifest destiny." Expansion brought economic benefits and strengthened the manifest destiny movement, but it also brought sectional tensions over slavery. Because the north had many abolitionists and the south was predominantly pro-slavery, sectional tensions arose as each side wished to see their principles expanded into the west.