The Causes for the Oregon Trail
Manifest Destiny was the key factor that led people to the west. America overcame many obsticles during the 1800s despite how young the country was. As a result, many Americans believed that through divine authority, they were predestined by God to claim the western land.
Aside from the religious beliefs, some people just enjoyed life on the frontier. People wanted to live in peace and have freedom. So many traveled west so they could live in seclusion and isolation from the booming industrial environment that was taking over the west.
Economic opportunity was also a factor that contributed to the increase traffic along the Oregon Trail. Gold was discovered in Oregon which drew a lot of people whom were possibly suffering from economic depreesion in the 1840s. Also the the Donation Act of 1850 drew people to Oregon. The Donation act of 1840 allowed any married setller to claim from 240-64o acres of sqaure land.
Another reason for the move was religious diferences amongst people in the north. At this time there were many religions settled. Such religions include Catholic Methodist, Quakers, and other protestant religions. People like Henry Garrison lived a difficult life being Methodist in a Catholic community so him and others used the oregon trail as a way to escape relgious prosecution.
"Henry Garrison's remembrances start in Missouri in 1841 at a place called Irish Grove, five miles from the river near St. Joe. He tells of the difficulties of being a Methodist preacher's son in a Catholic community. His uncles had left for Oregon in 1843, and he wished to join them someday. During the winter of 1845-46, the Garrisons tried selling their farm. Harsh economic conditions forced them to settle for $800.
They left for Oregon on May 5, 1846, heading to the ferry at Oregon Crossing on the Missouri River."