How did US policymakers seek to stimulate the economy and integrate the trans Mississippi west into the nation and how did this affect people living there?

Answer 1

US policymakers sought to stimulate the economy and integrate the trans-Mississippi West through initiatives like the Homestead Act, which encouraged westward migration by offering land to settlers, and the construction of transcontinental railroads, which facilitated trade and transportation. These efforts promoted economic development but often came at the expense of Native American populations, leading to displacement, cultural disruption, and violent conflicts over land. While the policies aided settlers and boosted the national economy, they significantly marginalized and dislocated indigenous communities, altering the demographic and cultural landscape of the region.