What did arguments for and against western expansion reveal about American values in the early 1800?

Many in favor of unlimited western expansion believed in the â??special qualityâ?? of European Americans and Manifest Destiny. It was believed based on this quality, it was the duty of the United States to free others from the shackles of monarchy and tyranny. In addition, land was cheap and the opportunity to become rich immeasurable, this prompted many Americans, Europeans and other immigrants to go west. Those opposed were likely fearful of leaving family behind. The west was an unsettled, dangerous place with Indian Wars, lawlessness and dangers that could easily bring tragedy. Fear of the unknown and sticking to what was familiar were frequent concerns of more conservative easterners.