Land: Vast stretches of land were available for purchase or homesteading in the West, which made it an attractive destination for people looking to expand their economic opportunities or start a new life.
Gold rush: The discovery of gold in California in 1848 sparked the Gold Rush, attracting thousands of people from all over the world in search of fortune and opportunity.
Better climate: Many people were drawn to the West by its milder climate, especially those from the harsh winters and oppressive summers of the eastern United States.
Religious freedom: The West was seen as a place where religious minorities could freely practice their beliefs, attracting various religious groups seeking to escape persecution or establish their own communities.
Manifest Destiny: The belief in Manifest Destiny, which held that the United States had a divine right to expand its territory from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, further fueled the westward migration.