Westward Ho!Trails to the West
Push /Pull FactorsPush /Pull Factors Why would people in the eastern United
States want to move west during the mid-1800’s?
What factors were PUSHING and PULLING?
PUSH FACTORS – Circumstances or challenges that cause people to want move to a new place.
PULL FACTORS – Circumstances or advantages that draw people to a new place.
Push FactorsPush Factors Panic of 1837
Harsh winters
Restless/Curious
Looking for Wealth
Pull FactorsPull Factors Fur Trade
Rich Resources – timber, game, gold
Land
Mild Climate
Adventure
Challenges Along the Challenges Along the Way Way
Shortages of food, water, supplies
Rough Weather
Disease / Illness
Geographic Barriers
Environmental Dangers
Weight in the wagons
Fur TrappersFur Trappers High demand for fur in Europe caused
companies to move West in search of more beavers.
John Jacob Astor created one of the largest fur businesses – American Fur Company
Fur Traders and Trappers became known as “Mountain Men.” – Jedediah Smith, Manuel Lisa, Jim Bridger, Jim Beckwourth
Rocky Mountain “Rendezvous” – once a year gathering of trappers and traders.
Fur trade came to an end by the 1840’s – mountain men stories lured many new settlers.
Oregon TrailOregon Trail 2, 000 mile long trail – from Independence,
MO or Council Bluffs, IA west into Oregon Country
After the Rocky Mountains it forked. Northern branch went into Oregon and the other went to California; became the California Trail.
Santa Fe TrailSanta Fe Trail Independence, Missouri to Santa Fe, New
Mexico
Followed ancient trading route used by Native Americans
American traders loaded wagons full of cloth and other manufactured goods and traded for horses, mules, and SILVER! They made lots of money!
Mormon TrailMormon Trail 1830 – Joseph Smith founded the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – known as Mormons
Because of some of their beliefs and practices Mormons were persecuted.
Polygamy (outlawed by the church in 1890) The Book of Mormon written from golden
tablets Joseph Smith was murdered in 1844 Brigham Young took over and chose Utah as the group’s new home.