The history of American expansion followed a clear pattern in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Explain how the expanding territory led to the expanding settlement of the US.

The westward expansion started with the purchase of Louisiana from the French government in 1803. This led the path to a series of settlements that would later shape the demographics of the United States until nowadays.

President Jefferson, who executed this purchase, believed that it was key for US citizens to own land if they were to develop independently and avoid what was happening in Europe, where there was a permanent establishment of a working class that saw their desire of better economic opportunities restricted the lack of land. This is why it was crucial for the country to continue its expansion.

As a consequence to the government's efforts in expanding US territory, nearly 7 million Americans, which represented approximately 40% of the population at that time, lived in the territories west of the Appalachians.