USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In addition, most people walked, both because it allowed their wagons to carry more weight and because riding in the wagons-which had no suspension-they would have endured constant jolting and lurching on the rough trails and roads. Ox teams were not controlled with reins, and drivers walked alongside the animals.

Detailed explanation-2: -However, most of the space in the emigrants’ wagons was reserved for food. The endless walking and hard work made even the most delicate appetites ravenous. Hundreds of pounds of dried goods and cured meats were packed into the wagons, including flour, hardtack, bacon, rice, coffee, sugar, beans, and fruit.

Detailed explanation-3: -Free land in Oregon and the possibility of finding gold in California lured them westward. At the same time, eastern churches wanted to teach American Indians of the Oregon Country their European ideas of “civilization.” Many simply hoped for a chance to start a new life.

Detailed explanation-4: -Rough roads and wagons without springs made for a very bumpy ride, and wagons were filled with supplies which left little room for passengers. Generally, travelers only rode in wagons when too ill or tired to walk, and slept most nights in tents or bedrolls outside the wagon.