Why were Americans so interested in westward expansion?

Americans were so interested in westward expansion because of the Gold Rush, the Oregon Trail, and a belief in "manifest destiny".

the answer is a new goverment.

the quote by walter cronkite contributes to the central idea of the text by supporting the central idea. cronkite argues that what is deemed “right” for and in america may not be good for other countries. this supports the central idea of the text, that the vietnam war was unpopular in america for multiple reasons- including cronkite’s.