Which of the following was a problem for the Americans when traveling west?
Weather was always a danger for the wagon trains. Sandstorms were common crossing the plains. Also thunder storms, flooding or droughts could put a party in danger. Wagon trains could also be hit by disease.
Why did settlers risk it all to travel west?
Pioneer settlers were sometimes pulled west because they wanted to make a better living. Others received letters from friends or family members who had moved west. These letters often told about a good life on the frontier. The biggest factor that pulled pioneers west was the opportunity to buy land.
Why did Americans feel it was important to go west?
Gold rush and mining opportunities (silver in Nevada) The opportunity to work in the cattle industry; to be a “cowboy” Faster travel to the West by railroad; availability of supplies due to the railroad. The opportunity to own land cheaply under the Homestead Act.
What challenges did pioneers face on the journey westward?
Obstacles included accidental discharge of firearms, falling off mules or horses, drowning in river crossings, and disease. After entering the mountains, the trail also became much more difficult, with steep ascents and descents over rocky terrain. The pioneers risked injury from overturned and runaway wagons.
What were difficulties that settlers on the frontier faced?
As settlers and homesteaders moved westward to improve the land given to them through the Homestead Act, they faced a difficult and often insurmountable challenge. The land was difficult to farm, there were few building materials, and harsh weather, insects, and inexperience led to frequent setbacks.
What kind of hardships did the pioneers face?
In America’s early days, pioneers headed west to make new homes or become gold prospectors, and on their journeys, which were often thousands of miles, they encountered disease, treacherous roads and enemies. Traveling rough roads in covered wagons often resulted in death from failed river crossings, accidents or Indian attacks.
What are the challenges of the westward expansion?
Despite acquiring the chance for a better start, American settlers faced many challenges in the actual trip westward. These challenges include costly transport, costly tolls, having to leave all belongings and land behind and the fact that 20,000 died in total. To travel to the west many people had to make adjustments…
Why did the pioneers go on the journey?
Most of the pioneers decided to make the journey either for acquiring more lands or to look for precious items such as gold. Many pioneers did not wait for the United States government to expand their territory westward. The American settlers had begun illegal expansion as early as 1763.
What kind of obstacles did Lewis and Clark encounter?
1 Geographical Obstacles. One of Jefferson’s goals with the expedition was to find a northwest water route to the Pacific Ocean. 2 Bad Weather. Lewis and Clark’s Expedition had to deal with thunderstorms, extreme heat and cold temperatures, hail storms and dust clouds. 3 Animals and Insects. 4 Encounters with Native Americans.