History of the United States II / Unit 2 USH2 0155 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Push and Pull
Captions available
The idea
The Panic of eighteen thirty-seven made eastern cities look unreliable, pushing Americans to seek a living in the West.
In practice
Commercial farming, belief in a national mission, and government incentives pulling them onward.
Where people slip
The pull factors were economic, ideological and political at once. The Homestead and railway acts were the government's contribution.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
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