Westward Expansion

Towards the beginning of the steam powered era, Americans were hesitant. Many thought that railroads were not safe or reliable. However, as railroad builders overcame challenges, railroads became an important factor in the urbanization of the United States.

Factories often had unjust living conditions where an entire family could get fired due to one family member's mistake. Factory workers often faced different hazards while working such as faulty machinery and harsh weather. This predicament was helped by the formation of workers unions in the 1820's and 1830's

The chance for economic opportunity was a key factor to pulling immigrants into coming to the U.S. The Great Irish Famine was an example of a reason why someone would want to leave their country and move to the U.S.

Many Americans called themselves nativists and wanted to keep America for the native born and white. They believed that immigrants would steal their jobs. This hatred grew so strong that they formed their own political party called The Know Nothing party.

No African American Voters

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After slavery was abolished, many African Americans faced discrimination. Many were denied the ability to vote, the ability to go to school, and the ability to got to church as well as many others.

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