- Loss of Land: Native American tribes viewed westward expansion as an invasion and theft of their ancestral lands. The forced removal and confinement to reservations disrupted their traditional way of life, hunting grounds, and access to natural resources.
- Broken Treaties: Many Native American tribes had treaties with the U.S. government that guaranteed their sovereignty and land rights. However, these treaties were often violated as settlers disregarded them and encroached on tribal territories.
- Cultural and Social Disruption: Western expansion meant the destruction of native communities, as well as their cultural practices, religious beliefs, and social structures. The introduction of diseases, warfare, and the imposition of Euro-American cultural norms further devastated Native American populations.
Settlers' View:
- Manifest Destiny: Many settlers believed in the concept of Manifest Destiny, the idea that it was their God-given right and duty to expand westward and settle the entire continent. They viewed the land as empty and free for the taking, ignoring the presence and claims of Native American tribes.
- Economic Opportunities: Western expansion was driven by the desire for economic opportunities. Settlers sought fertile land for farming, access to natural resources, and opportunities for trade and commerce. The promise of a better life and material prosperity motivated many pioneers to journey westward.
- National and Political Goals: The U.S. government supported westward expansion to strengthen its power, secure more territory, and assert its dominance over the continent. Acquiring new lands also fulfilled geopolitical aims, such as controlling strategic transportation routes and gaining access to the Pacific Ocean.
In summary, Native Americans experienced westward expansion as a severe encroachment on their way of life and a loss of autonomy and land. For settlers, it represented an opportunity for economic prosperity, personal freedom, and the fulfillment of a national mission. These contrasting viewpoints led to conflicts, clashes, and the eventual subjugation of Native American tribes as settlers continued to move westward.