Unruh presents the American migration west, stretching from the 1840s to the 1860s, with revisionist tone and debunking the Hollywood romanticism of the overland trek. The author insists that the completed journey westward was not an individual accomplishment by emigrants but rather a successful series of “emigrant interaction” with other emigrants, Indians, Mormons, and governmental aid that prevailed along the way.
(giving credit where credit is due…ty for the summary JM!)
now for my take . . .
The overlanders are the focus of Unruh’s study. He concludes their activities had a diverse impact on overland travel. The growth of the Pacific Coast can be attributed to their migration. Their diaries and letters offer insight into the travelers’ relationships with Indians. Studying their progress, and their trials and successes, creates greater insight regarding patterns of settlement and economic growth. The essence of the study focuses on the interaction of the overlanders and other groups, such as Indians, military, and entrepreneurs, as well as their interaction with the environment.
Unruh first deals with the nature of public opinion regarding westward migration. Newspapers and magazines of the period typically presented the overland journey as adventurous and heroic. Other articles played on the Indian threat. Unruh elaborates on such in a later chapter dedicated to Indian relationships with the overlanders. In the 1840s, it seems much of what was printed in the media was sensationalized, portraying the romantic danger of westward migration. Taking liberties with reality enhanced the excitement, enticing more migrants westward. By the 1850s, more objectivity appeared in westward accounts and reporting. This may be due in part by federal improvements upon the roads and protection.
The years 1840 to 1860 did not offer a consistent emigration experience. External factors such as weather and proprietorships made a difference in the overlanders’ struggle. During times of extensive rainy weather, travel was very difficult when it came time to cross rivers and streams. Foreword movement was slow. As more overlanders traversed westward, entrepreneurs began to meet supply demands. As a result of increase proprietors on the trail, some caravans did not prepare adequate supplies to survive between stops leaving starvation and illness a reality for some. As numbers of travelers increased, travel friendly stopover points did as well. Bathhouses, barbershops, and courts were increasingly available to travelers; as well as trail improvements, postal services, and even settlements for those who decided to take root. Unruh points out that the migrating experience was different for every traveler. Independent expectations, preparations, and companions made a difference in perception of the trip and its value.
One’s personal experiences along the route were a factor in the perception of a successful and valuable trip. Although many feared Indian encounters, as they had been portrayed with excitement and danger by some of the media, the actual encounters were many times vastly different. The Indians often had goods for the travelers and were willing to negotiate a good trade. There were times when confrontations occurred, but many times these encounters were provoked by migrant hostility or frustration with American diplomacy. Despite the number of emigrants killed by Indians in the first 20 years of westward expansion, some 400 Unruh cites, tribes offered information, supplies, horses, and guidance to the travelers.
The numbers of travelers steadily grew over the years, resulting in increased government involvement. Federal road improvements were made, military outposts increased, and postal service extended. The government stepped in and responded to the obvious need of the overlanders. Unruh declares it a moot point as to whether all extended services were of benefit. Using the Indian situation as an example, he describes the amicable relationship between most Indian tribes and migrants as it was prior to government involvement in negotiations and treaty making. In Unruh’s opinion the more government became involved the more it was necessary for them to be involved. Had there not been the government presence there would have been less need for one. This is not a concrete evaluation. Who is to say that the Indians would not eventually grown weary and frustrated of the overlanders? Granted there were economic benefit, but the number of travelers steadily increased over time. Many who did not make it to the coast established settlements to open shops serving those continuing on the journey.
The growth of the westward movement is well portrayed in Unruh’s work. He supports his analysis with clear evidence using charts, graphs, maps and illustrations. His writing is clear and interesting, varying from narrative to analytical, not losing the reader in tiresome wordiness.
i will, at least 2 years.