These inventions made possible the establishment of the West

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• The westward movement helped expand America into California.
• Steam engines could cut travel time by months.
• The introduction of the Colt revolver helped settlers protect their land.
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One of the most important periods in American history was the westward settlement movement. With the invention of the transcontinental railroad, the opportunity to move west and find a new life became a reality for many. Of course, it wasn’t just the transcontinental railroad that made settlement of the West possible, as other inventions played a significant role in this historic era of US history.

11. Sharpshooter

The 1874 Sharps Rifle is believed to have killed more buffalo than any other gun.

While other guns were focused on ground defense and close combat, the 1874 Sharps rifle could fire .40, .45, and .50 caliber, depending on what you were hunting. As a result, it was great for bringing down buffalo and could be used at long distances.

10. Seeder

Planters made planting crops a much easier process for farmers.

While the seed drill was originally invented in the 1700s, it became a significant tool for westward expansion. This invention allowed farmers to plant seeds at the correct depth and spacing, which meant better crop yields and more food for families to sell and eat.

9. Rotary printing press

Printing changed the way news was delivered across the country.

The rotary printing press, designed to print newspapers faster, helped inform the country of new land opportunities in the west and provided settlers with information about land claims.

8. Preserves

Cans have helped preserve food more than ever before.

Until food production increased in the West through agriculture, canning contributed significantly to westward expansion. This invention allowed settlers to preserve food for longer, especially in newly populated areas with scarce fresh food.

7. Bessemer Steel Process

The Bessemer steel process changed how quickly steel could be produced.

As railroad expansion grew in the West, steel production became vital to the growing population of new settlers. The Bessemer steel process helped lower the cost of steel production, making it less expensive to build railroads, farm equipment, and bridges.

6. Windmills

Windmills were an easy way to access hidden water sources.

While much of the West had an arid climate during the westward expansion, the invention of the windmill became a significant part of everyday life. These wind inventions allowed access to groundwater where surface water was hard to find and allowed for crop irrigation and drinking water.

5. Steel plow

The availability of the steel plow made farming easier in the West.

John Deere invented the steel plow in 1837, helping to revolutionize agriculture in the Midwest. Previously, iron and even wooden plows were prone to breaking, but steel plows had no problem with the thicker soil of the Midwest, making planting crops much more efficient.

4. Barbed wire

The use of barbed wire provided a new way to keep cattle safe.

One of the most unique inventions that helped settle the West was barbed wire. This type of fence was a revolutionary advancement that helped raise cattle. While fencing was not new in general, the idea of ​​wiring to protect animals and keep out predators was a major invention.

3. The Colt revolver

the six-shooter colt gave the settlers a great advantage over the indigenous population.

As westward movement became more popular, fighting with Indian tribes became a reality. The result was the need for more advanced weapons, and one of the most popular was the Colt revolver. Capable of holding six shots, the “Texas gun” appeared in the 1830s and undoubtedly helped win the West.

2. Telegraph

The use of a telegraph enabled instant communication throughout the country.

The invention of the telegraph undoubtedly helped popularize moving west. While the Pony Express could take weeks to deliver, telegraphic messages could be delivered across the country in a fraction of a second, beginning in 1861 when the Wester Union completed the first transcontinental telegraph line.

1. Steam engine

The steam engine made it easy to travel across the country in just a few days.

It will come as no surprise to learn that the steam engine and the transcontinental railroad were the greatest inventions that aided westward expansion. Before the railroad, going from east to west meant riding for months in a horse-drawn wagon. In contrast, the steam engine allowed you to go coast to coast in about 80 hours.

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