economic effects
The American frontier had a massive impact on the American economy. The West, especially after the California Gold Rush in 1849, resulted a boom in the economy. The federal government utilized the West for massive expenditures, such as the transcontinental railroad and internal improvements like dams, all of which resulted in an improvement of the American economy. The metaphorical frontier had a positive impact on the economy, as many intelligence missions strengthened the U.S. economy.