Table of Contents
What were some problems faced by the pioneers?
Along the way, many pioneers faced very real dangers such as disease, drowning, runaway covered wagons on steep hillsides, accidental discharge of weapons, and hostile encounters. For many Native Americans, the western expansion meant risks and changes to their way of life.
What dangers did migrants face to the West?
This page describes in detail the many hazards that pioneers faced in their travels west. From crippling diseases, to wagon accidents, dangerous weather, wild creatures, and attacks by Native Americans, life was very difficult on the journey west.
What are some of the problems faced by western pioneers?
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 challenges did pioneers face on farming the Great Plains?
Pioneers faced many challenges on farming the Great Plains. In particular, they had to find solutions to farming problems such as ploughing the land, growing crops, lack of water, protecting the crops, fire, insects, farming machinery, and extreme weather. As farming was very important to pioneers, they had to overcome the challenges.
What was the most dangerous part of the pioneers life?
Crossing rivers were probably the most dangerous thing pioneers did. Swollen rivers could tip over and drown both people and oxen. Such accidents could cause the loss of life and most or all of valuable supplies. Animals could panic when wading through deep, swift water, causing wagons to overturn.
What kind of diseases did pioneers face on the frontier?
Sanitation was dismal on the frontier, and diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, measles and mumps caused 90 percent of the deaths of pioneers. Settlers seldom had any medical expertise, so even a bad cold or the flu could claim someone’s life.