Which statement best identifies a positive effect of westward expansion in the years before the civil war? a) westward expansion led to loss of life and territory for the native americans. b) westward expansion added to the growing conflict between "free" and "slave" states before the civil war. c) westward expansion led to an economic "boom" in the midwest, as new cities and markets were connected by rail and canals. d) westward expansion led to increased numbers of slaves in the west, as southern cotton planters sought new lands to make greater profits. eliminate

answer:

it caused mass african migration, african populations to grow, african empires to topple, and racism against slaves to emerge.

background

early european explorers to the americas likely experienced emotions including awe at the vast "new" environment, amazement at meeting "others," the thrill of the unknown, concern for personal safety, desire for personal reward, and longing for their homeland and those left behind. written and pictorial records attributed to europeans provide the bulk of the records of these early travels. impressions of natives as well as native impressions of europeans are frequently framed in the narratives of the explorers. examination of these records indicates the cautious and curious nature of first encounters.

significance

centuries of ignorance, prejudice, and opinions lacking evidence or scholarly research have tainted traditional views of the earliest meetings between native americans (first nations in canada) and europeans. students may come to recognize how the later period of continued exploration, settlement, and interaction was influenced by these early encounters from the st. lawrence river to georgia.