Question

Why did settlers need to be able to use the Mississippi River?

Answer 1

Trade

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Explanation:

The settlers West of the Appalachian mountains could not easily transport their goods over the mountains to markets on the Eastern Seaboard. Moving their goods down river to the Mississippi, to New Orleans, and then by sea to the cities on the Eastern Seaboard was cheaper and actually easier.

Without access to the Mississippi River the settlement of regions West of mountains would not have been practical. This is why Thomas Jefferson wanted to purchase New Orleans from France. Getting the rest of Lousisana Purchase was a fabulous surprise and huge bonus for the United States.

The settlers need access to the Mississippi River and down the Mississippi to the Ocean in order to move their goods to markets.
Without trade the settlements would not be economically viable.