The experiences of the first pioneer families in the 1840s travelling West.

?
When did the first pioneer families travel West?
In the 1840s
1 of 23
What were the pull factors that made them move?
The Mountain men: People listened to stories of the mountain men who described the West as a place of opportunity, where the sun was always shining and the land was perfect for farming. Free land: from 1842 the government offered free land to anyone
2 of 23
[Continued]
who would settle there.
3 of 23
What were the push factors that made them move?
Economic depression: In 1837, banks collapsed and people lost their savings, people became unemployed and wages were cut. Overcrowding: Problems in Europe meant that more people moved to the USA so it was overcrowded and expensive.
4 of 23
What were the issues of travelling to the West coast of North America?
They had to cross the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, the journey was about 3800km and took around six months by horse-drawn wagon.
5 of 23
How did they travel?
By wagon
6 of 23
What did they take with them?
Everything they needed to start a new life, including livestock and seeds.
7 of 23
Where would they buy these things?
From towns along the Missouri river, and the prices were often really high.
8 of 23
Who would some groups take as a guide?
A mountain man
9 of 23
What four dangers and problems did they all face?
Harsh geography, dangerous weather, human and animal attacks and scarce food.
10 of 23
What rivers did the travellers have to cross?
Missouri and Platte
11 of 23
How did they get the wagons up the Rocky mountains?
Using pulleys and ropes.
12 of 23
How high were the temperatures when they got down?
Up to 38º
13 of 23
Why did the travellers leave in April?
So they could cross the Rocky mountains before snow storms set in.
14 of 23
Why was this an issue?
It meant that they crossed the Plains at the hottest time, so there was little water and people often died from dehydration.
15 of 23
What could the heat also lead to?
Dangerous storms
16 of 23
What was a major problem with crossing the mountains in Winter?
They could get trapped.
17 of 23
What happened to the Donner Party?
The travellers tried to take a short cut but got trapped in the Sierra mountains. When it started to snow they ran out of food. Some left to get help but some died of starvation on the way, and the rest had to resort to eating the dead to survive. A
18 of 23
[Continued]
rescue party reached them, to find most of them dead and the others partly mad.
19 of 23
What animals could attack the travellers?
Bears and mountain lions
20 of 23
Why did they attack?
They would attack the Wagons for the food.
21 of 23
What did the Plains Indians do to the pioneers?
Sometimes they would help them, by trading goos or supplies. Occasionally they would attack them, taking horses or hostages.
22 of 23
Why was food scarce?
They could only take so much with them. Sometimes livestock could not keep going so they were killed and their meat dried.
23 of 23

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What were the pull factors that made them move?

Back

The Mountain men: People listened to stories of the mountain men who described the West as a place of opportunity, where the sun was always shining and the land was perfect for farming. Free land: from 1842 the government offered free land to anyone

Card 3

Front

[Continued]

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What were the push factors that made them move?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What were the issues of travelling to the West coast of North America?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar History resources:

See all History resources »See all The American West 1840-1895 resources »