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The westward movement, in US history, was primarily driven by the desire to find land on which to farm (for a living). The Gold Rush portion of the westward movement was a fairly brief period, as compared to the continuous expansion for the purpose of settling in fertile lands.
It was called "Manifest Destiny."
They taught them to grow crops.
The War of 1812 secured existing US boundaries and defeated tribes in the Ohio and Mississippi valleys. This along with the Indian Removal Act of 1830, opened the door to significant westward expansion by people across America .
The Indians were occupying land that the US wanted for agriculture, settlement, resources, etc.