How did westward expansion affect the economic growth of the US and what impact did it have on the American Indian and slave populations?

Westward expansion significantly contributed to the economic growth of the U.S. by opening up extensive new lands for agriculture, mining, and settlement, leading to increased production and trade. However, this expansion often came at the severe expense of American Indian populations, who faced displacement, violence, and loss of their ancestral lands. Additionally, the demand for labor to cultivate these new territories intensified the institution of slavery, as Southern states sought to expand their agricultural enterprises, particularly in cotton production. This dual impact fostered economic growth while exacerbating social injustices and conflicts.