The West was attractive to many settlers for several reasons. One positive effect of the westward movement was the availability of natural resources such as furs, lumber, and valuable minerals like gold and silver. These resources provided opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for those who settled in the West.
One negative effect of the westward movement was the displacement and forced removal of Native Americans from their lands. As settlers moved westward, conflicts arose between them and Native American tribes, leading to the loss of traditional Native American territories and the disruption of their way of life. This displacement resulted in the loss of cultural identity, loss of livelihood, and in some cases, violence and loss of life for Native Americans.