Why were many people willing to endure the hardships of settling in the far west? the fact that others had already done it

the beauty of the terrain

the economic opportunities to be found

the adventure of finding a new place

I would think it would be c) the economic oppurtunities to be found

Explanation:

Especially since there were large amounts of gold in California, Oregon, and Washington that people were going to find in which this period is called The Gold Rush and ended in the late 1800s.

the answer is b: the religion they practice.

here's why:

there were many different native american tribes and those with similar characteristics formed a main tribe or nation. each had its own language, religion and customs.

since most of current immigration into the u.s., both legal and illegal, is coming from latin america. it would be very difficult to imagine or rationalize a country my fellow citizens are trying desperately to flee into, would pose a threat to my prosperity or freedom. since the u.s. has a long history of intervention, but no record of permanent occupation, i would not feel oppression is the main objective.  

the largest free trade nation, along with the largest gdp in the world wanting to expand it's economic policy on us, and including us, could only be positive. the u.s. government has no interest in, or way of simply forcing american culture on us. and has no track record of it. other nations that adopted american social culture, or "americanization" did so voluntarily, mainly through the choice of allowing american businesses and u.s. citizens to come into their nations, as free operatives.