Migrating Westward Chapter 5, Section 1

Settling the Spanish Borderlands The Spanish North (southwestern US, Texas and California) was sparsely populated compared to present-day Mexico due to he threat of Native American tribes. Over time, alliances with the tribes and the exchanging of gifts led to greater settlement. Texas was sparsely populated because it was only needed to act as a buffer zone to the Mexican mines from English settlement. In California, the Spanish sought to convert the Native Americans to Christianity for defensive purposes. Very few Spanish lived there due to its distance from major markets in Mexico. This led to the emergence of many Spanish missions (churches).

Americans Look Westward The revolution of 1821 in Mexico overthrew the Spanish and established Mexico as an independent nation. Some Americans, known as expansionists, wanted to expand into New Mexico, Texas and California (now Mexico’s) for various reasons. Viewed Mexico’s government and economy as weak; Less established countries are easy to conquer– why? Mexicans are inferior do not deserve the land; Manifest Destiny= belief that God wanted the U.S. to own all of North America.

Trails Westward Major trails linking to the west soon appeared, albeit for various reasons. Santa Fe Trail Started in Independence, MO Purpose: Trade with Mexico manufactured goods for horses, furs, silver. Ended: Santa Fe, NM

Trails Westward (cont’d) Mormon Trail Started in Nauvoo, IL Purpose: Mormon migration; westward travel Mormons were persecuted for their religious beliefs Led by Brigham Young (after the death of Joseph Smith) Ended: Salt Lake City, UT

Trails Westward (cont’d) Oregon Trail Started in Independence, MO Purpose: westward travel (originally by missionaries); then farmers Ended: Willamette Valley, OR

Trails Westward (cont’d) California Trail Branched off Oregon Trail in southern Idaho Purpose: fur trade– Mountain Men; started by Jedediah Smith Ended: Sutter’s Fort, CA

The Journey Journey was ~2,000 miles, took ~5 months to complete. Most people travelled in wagon trains of 50-1,000 people Difficulties faced: Left too late really cold winters! Crossing the Rockies Lack of food Disease Getting lost Donner Party got lost during the winter; ½ died, the rest resorted to cannibalism

Closing Question Along which of the four major trails would you have most likely travelled and why?