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.