Chapter 13.1 & 13.2 The West

Early Americans answer: “the area between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River.

By the 1820’s most of that area had been settled. Settlers wanted to push to the western frontier. Frontier- land that forms the farthest extent of the nation.

Area between the Mississippi River and the Rocky mountains. Unattractive to settlement

Modern day areas of Oregon and Washington Settlers were attracted to its fertile land. U.S., Great Britain, Russia, and Spain all claimed this area.

Mexico gains independence in This eventually will create land conflicts with the ever expanding U.S.

The belief that the US was destined to extend from Atlantic to Pacific Ocean. “ The American claim is by the right of our manifest destiny to overspread and possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and self government entrusted to us.” -John L. O’Sullivan

T he first American frontiersmen were traders. T hey were looking for new markets to sell their goods

Trade route that stretched from Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Fur traders made a fortune in the Oregon Territory. “The annual quantity of these furs could not be exactly ascertained, but Mr. Smith was informed indirectly that they amounted to about thirty thousand beaver skins, besides otter skins and small furs. The beaver skins alone, at the New York prices, would be worth above two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. “

Fur trappers of the Northwest Led isolated lives in the wilderness. Men like Jedidiah Smith and Hugh Glass become well known for their unbelievable toughness.

Settlers sought after the free and fertile land of the Oregon Territory.

Most settlers traveled the 2,000 mile long trail to get from Missouri to Portland, Oregon.

Settlers were willing to make the long journey for several reasons: A fresh start Fur trading Farm land

The long trip was extremely hazardous Travelers experienced disease, accidents, lack of water and harsh weather. Despite all the hardships over 50,000 people reach Oregon between 1840 and 1860.