Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the single most prominent killer on the Oregon Trail?
What was the single most prominent killer on the Oregon Trail?
How many emigrants on the trails died from an illness according to the National Parks Service?
How many emigrants on the trails died from an illness according to the National Parks Service?
Which of the following was NOT one of the most prominent illnesses encountered on the Oregon Trail?
Which of the following was NOT one of the most prominent illnesses encountered on the Oregon Trail?
Where did emigrants typically arrive if they stuck to the Oregon Trail without branching off?
Where did emigrants typically arrive if they stuck to the Oregon Trail without branching off?
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How many people made the journey west during the life of the Oregon Trail?
How many people made the journey west during the life of the Oregon Trail?
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What is one reason why the Oregon Trail remains one of the most important overland trails in the development of the United States?
What is one reason why the Oregon Trail remains one of the most important overland trails in the development of the United States?
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What act was passed by the United States Congress in 1851 due to the displacement of Native Americans caused by the Oregon Trail settlers?
What act was passed by the United States Congress in 1851 due to the displacement of Native Americans caused by the Oregon Trail settlers?
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What was the primary cause of death for emigrants on the Oregon Trail?
What was the primary cause of death for emigrants on the Oregon Trail?
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Which of the following was NOT a prominent illness encountered on the Oregon Trail?
Which of the following was NOT a prominent illness encountered on the Oregon Trail?
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What system was created by the United States Congress in 1851 to address the displacement of Native Americans caused by Oregon Trail settlers?
What system was created by the United States Congress in 1851 to address the displacement of Native Americans caused by Oregon Trail settlers?
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When did the need to travel cross-country in a covered wagon diminish significantly?
When did the need to travel cross-country in a covered wagon diminish significantly?
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How many emigrants ended up in Oregon out of the approximately 400,000 people who made the journey west?
How many emigrants ended up in Oregon out of the approximately 400,000 people who made the journey west?
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What route did emigrants take if they wanted to arrive in Oregon City, Oregon?
What route did emigrants take if they wanted to arrive in Oregon City, Oregon?
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Which development significantly reduced the popularity of overland trails like the Oregon Trail in the late 19th century?
Which development significantly reduced the popularity of overland trails like the Oregon Trail in the late 19th century?
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What act passed in 1851 allowed European settlers to force Native Americans off their land?
What act passed in 1851 allowed European settlers to force Native Americans off their land?
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What were some of the dangers encountered along the Oregon Trail EXCEPT:
What were some of the dangers encountered along the Oregon Trail EXCEPT:
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What was one significant impact of the establishment of the Oregon Trail routes on Native American tribes before Congress passed the Indian Appropriations Act?
What was one significant impact of the establishment of the Oregon Trail routes on Native American tribes before Congress passed the Indian Appropriations Act?
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Study Notes
The Oregon Trail and Westward Expansion: Overview
- The Oregon Trail provided a 2,000-mile route across the western frontier of North America, established in 1836.
- People traveled the Oregon Trail to explore the great American frontier, establish new lives, and seek new opportunities in the west.
American Expansion and Manifest Destiny
- Americans had craved expansion since they first set foot in North America.
- The Louisiana Purchase (1803) laid the foundation for westward expansion, with the US gaining 828,000 square miles of land.
- President James Polk accomplished a massive territorial expansion through the annexation of Texas from Mexico and the Mexican-American War (1848).
- The idea of Manifest Destiny emerged, believing the US was destined by God to expand its dominion across North America.
Which Nation Claimed the Oregon Country?
- In the early 19th century, the US owned the Oregon Territory jointly with Britain.
- After the War of 1812, Britain relinquished claims to the Northwest Territory.
- By 1846, the Oregon country was rapidly becoming an American territory, and Britain signed it over fully through the Treaty of Oregon.
Westward Expansion Trails
- Three main trails led from the Midwest to the West: the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the California Trail.
- The Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails split in Wyoming and Idaho, respectively, to head north or south.
- The Santa Fe Trail cut across Kansas and New Mexico, eventually ending in Santa Fe.
The Oregon Trail and Westward Expansion: History
- The Oregon Trail was established early in the 19th century, primarily used by fur trappers after the Rush-Bagot treaty (1817).
- John Jacob Astor bought land in the Oregon Territory, naming it Astoria.
- The trail was originally considered unsuitable for women and children, until Marcus and Narcissa Whitman traveled the trail in 1836.
Why Did People Go on the Oregon Trail?
- Pioneers sought economic opportunities in the Oregon Country or elsewhere.
- Other reasons for traveling west included fleeing cholera epidemics and economic depression in the Midwest.
- The Second Great Awakening inspired missionaries to preach to Native Americans in the West or establish faith-based communities.
- Farmers were lured by romantic stories of emerald green lands in the Oregon Country.
Where Did the Oregon Trail Start?
- The official Oregon Trail started in Independence, Missouri, the farthest point west on the Missouri River.
- Independence hosted outfitters, wagon repair shops, and general stores for pioneers preparing for the journey.
What Was the Journey on the Oregon Trail Like?
- Travelers often did not experience the adventure they had hoped for.
- The distance was long, and most pioneers made the journey on foot to avoid stressing the oxen.
- Recommended provisions included food items, weapons for hunting, and basic cooking utensils.
- The journey took around 5-6 months, depending on weather, terrain, and health.
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Description
Explore the history of The Oregon Trail and westward expansion in the early nineteenth century. Learn about the establishment of rudimentary trails by fur trappers, the Rush-Bagot treaty of 1817, the role of fur traders like John Jacob Astor, and the Lewis and Clark expedition.
