Process And Problems Of Migration Flashcards
Independence
The Oregon Trail was 3200 km long it was 3800 km to California.
Indian guides helped the migrants across the Trail.
Independence Missouri, was the start of the trail westwards.
Problems with migrating
Travellers were faced with storms, heat, Buffalo, and the threat of attack from Indians.
The Rockies, Blue Mountains and Sierra Nevada stood between the migrants and the destination.
This led to injuries and many broken wagons.
The Donner party
A group led by Jacob and George Donner left Missouri in May 1846.
300 people and 60 wagons were bound for California.
Using a leaflet for assistance a small group of 80 attempted to take a shortcut.
Four wagons malfunctioned and one migrant murdered another.
The group could not finish before winter which meant that they were trapped in snow in the Sierra Nevada.
Mormon persecution
The Mormons practice polygamy (having more than one spouse) and was seen as blasphemous by Christians.
They also wanted to set slaves free and have a peaceful relationship with the Indians.
Migration
They moved across the country from New York to Ohio then Missouri then Illinois and finally Utah.
After the founder Joseph Smith was murdered Bringham Young became leader of the Mormons in 1845.
He left the group around great salt lake because of the persecution the group faced in Illinois.
Organisation
Young split the migrants into groups and gave each a leader.
He carefully researched the route in advance to avoid the same fate as the Donner party.
He made sure there was enough food for the year.
From 1847 to 1869, 70,000 Mormons were able to cross the trail.
Salt Lake City
The Mormons were able to build Salt Lake City as a result of their hard work, determination and great leader (young).
Shelter
There were lack of trees so settlers had There were lack of tree so settlers had to Live in hearts or caves made from earth (sod houses).
Food
Crops from the east of them failed they needed much more water and were often eaten by grasshoppers and other insects.
