Describe how the US expanded its economic and political influence in the late 1800s.

Expansion (1820-1849) During the early 1800's, settlers moved westward over the Appalachian Mountains into the new states and territories. The build-up of the West gave rise to changes in American politics. As areas in the West gained large populations, they were admitted to the Union as states.

Provide additional information.

Americans often speak of their country as one of several large regions.  these regions are cultural units rather than governmental units --  formed by history and geography and shaped by the economics, literature and folkways that all the parts of a region share. what makes one region different from another? a region's multicultural heritage as well as distinct demographic characteristics like age and occupation make regions different and special. within several regions, language is used differently and there are strong dialects. there are also differences in outlook and attitude based on geography.