Trails West

1
Trails West
2
Mountain Men

• How did mountain men survive on their trails
  west?
• They were tough and resourceful. They spent most
  of their time alone trapping small animals such
  as beaver.

3

• Who were two famous mountain men who became
  famous as rugged loners?
• Jedediah Smith and Jim Beckwourth
• Were this men as independent as legend usually
  portrays them?
• No
• Because they were in close ties with Eastern
  business men who bought their furs.

4

• Who was William Henry Ashley?
• A businessman who created the rendezvous system.
• Under this system trappers came to a prearranged
  meeting sites to exchange furs.

5

• Why did the fur trade die out?
• Because silk hats replaced fur hats as the common
  fashion.

6
Mountain Men Open the West

• How did the mountain men make it possible for
  others to move West at this time period?
• They were the first to move west to look for more
  beaver furs. They killed so many beaver in the
  east that they were forced west in search for new
  furs.

7

• What route did many pioneers use to get West that
  was publicized by Jedediah Smith?
• South Pass
• What was so great about South Pass?
• It was easier to cross because it had no snow and
  was much wider to allow for wagons to get through.

8

• Why did most Americans travel West?
• To make money.
• What was a land speculator?
• Someone who bought large amounts of land at a low
  price. They then divided up the land and sold it
  at high prices.

9

• Who was William Becknell?
• He was a a trader who is responsible for opening
  up the Santa Fe Trail.
• Discuss Becknells second journey.

10

• What was the most frequented trail West?
• The Oregon Trail
• What sparked Oregon Fever?
• Extravagant stories told by Missionaries.

11

• What group went west in search of religious
  freedom?
• The Mormons who settled Utah
• Why were the Mormons forced to leave?
• Because of their religious beliefs
• Provide examples