As citizens move westward, they move into unknown territory. In the land they want to acquire, there might be Native Americans who have settled there. There could be dangerous animals or toxic plants. Moving there takes time and energy, and it takes its toll. Not everyone might make it along the way. Along with the physical dangers, there are also political dangers. Moving away from the political node of the country will cause people to move farther away from those that govern over them. People will start to think differently, which could ultimately affect the country. Part of the Civil War’s starting was due to Westward Expansion - changing thoughts and ideas led to newer ones like rebellion and change, which will ultimately affect the country as a whole.
