They wanted to have land that they could farm. The east was already crowded by large farms and cities. They were also in search of gold. There were also many trees that could be cut down and sent east, these people sought out a way to make money, or provide for their families that was not in the congested dirty cities of the east.
A valid statement concerning the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages is that it became very rich and powerful during that time. People would give church 1/10th of their earnings in tithes. The Church also received money in the form of payment for various sacraments such as baptism, marriage, and communion. Also, the Church was a powerful force in medieval life, dominating everyday life for the majority of people. It could also confirmed kings on their throne giving them the divine right to rule.
Well, you own what is in your title, which means your lawn, and sometimes mineral but not always.
To mail a letter from LA to portland, it takes approximately 15 hours