Why did many americans oppose the u. s. gaining more land?

Something about land lies deep in the american psyche. since the early 20th century most americans have resided in cities and suburbs, yet the mystique of agrarian life draws millions to farmers’ markets and makes the family farm a touchstone of american politics. the cowboy, that rugged knight of the open west, remains an icon of american culture. squabbles between developers and preservationists over land use become battles over the meaning and destiny of america.