- 1. Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey by Lillian Schiessel is a profound exploration of the experiences of women who embarked on the arduous journey westward during the 19th century. This work meticulously compiles and analyzes a collection of diaries written by women who traveled across the continent, offering invaluable insights into their thoughts, emotions, and daily struggles. Schiessel shines a light on the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in the westward expansion, highlighting their resilience, courage, and adaptability in the face of the immense challenges posed by travel through uncharted territories and harsh landscapes. Through the intimate voice of personal narratives, the book reveals the complexities of their lives, documenting the trials of motherhood, marriage, and maintaining household duties while traversing the rugged frontier. Schiessel's scholarly approach not only preserves these women's stories but also situates them within the broader context of American history, illustrating how their journeys were not merely about physical relocation but were also deeply woven with themes of identity, community, and the quest for new opportunities. Ultimately, Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey serves as a crucial contribution to understanding the multifaceted experiences of women in American pioneer history, emphasizing their roles as active participants in the shaping of the American landscape.
What is the primary historical period covered in 'Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey'?
A) The American Revolutionary War
B) The early 20th century
C) The mid-19th century
D) The colonial era
- 2. According to Schiessel, what was the main motivation for most families to undertake the westward journey?
A) Escaping political turmoil
B) Religious persecution
C) Military orders
D) Economic opportunity and land ownership
- 3. What was a common role for women on the Overland Trails, as revealed in their diaries?
A) Hunting for game
B) Scouting the trail ahead of the wagon train
C) Maintaining domestic routines and caring for the sick
D) Leading the wagon trains
- 4. How did the journey often change women's perceptions of their own capabilities?
A) They discovered greater physical and emotional strength.
B) Their perceptions remained unchanged.
C) They became more dependent on men.
D) They largely regretted leaving their homes.
- 5. What sentiment did many women express upon leaving their homes in the East?
A) Unbridled joy and excitement
B) A profound sense of loss and sorrow
C) Complete indifference
D) Relief to be escaping their families
- 6. What was a significant psychological challenge for women on the trail?
A) Boredom from lack of entertainment
B) Conflict with other women
C) Isolation and loneliness
D) Fear of the unknown landscape
- 7. Besides their families, what did women most often write about missing from their former lives?
A) Formal education
B) Political involvement
C) Their social networks and communities
D) Fashionable clothing
- 8. How did the reality of the journey typically compare to the women's initial expectations?
A) It was far more difficult and arduous.
B) It was exactly as they had imagined.
C) It was much easier and quicker.
D) It was less scenic than promised.
- 9. What was a common task for children that is highlighted in the diaries?
A) Standing guard at night
B) Gathering buffalo chips for fuel
C) Repairing the wagons
D) Bartering with Native Americans
- 10. Which river was a major landmark and challenge for many of the journeys described?
A) The Platte River
B) The Colorado River
C) The Ohio River
D) The Mississippi River
- 11. What personal mementos were women frequently noted for bringing on the journey?
A) Large pieces of furniture
B) Portraits of political leaders
C) Their wedding china
D) Books, letters, and family Bibles
- 12. What does Schiessel conclude about the overall impact of the journey on women's identities?
A) It made them resentful of their husbands.
B) It had little to no lasting impact.
C) It was a transformative experience that fostered self-reliance.
D) It reinforced traditional gender roles.
- 13. Which group did women's diaries often describe with a mix of fear and curiosity?
A) Other wagon trains
B) US Cavalry regiments
C) Native Americans
D) Mountain men
- 14. The book primarily focuses on women's journeys to which US region?
A) The New England states
B) The Midwest
C) The American West
D) The Deep South
- 15. Which trail is frequently mentioned in the diaries?
A) The Oregon Trail
B) The Appalachian Trail
C) The Chisholm Trail
D) The Silk Road
- 16. Besides a wagon, what was a primary mode of transport?
A) Traveling by steamboat
B) Riding horses
C) Using stagecoaches
D) Walking
- 17. What was a common feeling upon reaching the destination?
A) A desire to turn back
B) Disappointment and regret
C) Immediate financial success
D) Relief mixed with exhaustion
- 18. What resource was crucial for survival on the plains?
A) Timber for building
B) Gold for trading
C) Water
D) Salt for preservation
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