1. Belief that the United States was destined to stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific Coast
Manifest Destiny Explained in 5 Minutes

2. Abundant, fertile, and free land Discovery of gold
(Reasons why people traveled to Oregon)
Abundant, fertile, and free land
Discovery of gold
Perception that there were better and more opportunities there
Elbow Room: School House Rocks

3. Widespread economic depression
(Reasons why people left their homes to travel to Oregon)
Widespread economic depression
Political conflicts before, during, and after the Civil War
Religion
Desire for better opportunities
Push and Pull Factors

4. Less than 2000 pounds of supplies per wagon
Between pounds of easily preserved food
cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, coffee pot/tea kettle, cups, knives, forks, spoons, matches, buckets or bags for water
Candles and soap
Rifle or pistol and ammunition
Shovel, ax, tools to repair wagon
2-3 sets of clothes
Bedding and tents

5. Horses could travel quickly, but required a lot of food, were susceptible to injury, and could not pull heavy loads
Mules were not as quick as horses, but could pull heavy loads with less food, however they were difficult to train and expensive
Oxen traveled slow, could pull a lot weight with less food, were easy to train and very affordable

6. Buffalo chips (dried Buffalo droppings) were used to fuel fires
Most people walked and did not ride in the wagons
Railroad travel will eventually replace the wagon trains
Story of Us: Oregon Trail