- 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 colonial era
B) The mid-19th century
C) The early 20th century
D) The American Revolutionary War
- 2. According to Schiessel, what was the main motivation for most families to undertake the westward journey?
A) Religious persecution
B) Economic opportunity and land ownership
C) Military orders
D) Escaping political turmoil
- 3. What was a common role for women on the Overland Trails, as revealed in their diaries?
A) Maintaining domestic routines and caring for the sick
B) Leading the wagon trains
C) Scouting the trail ahead of the wagon train
D) Hunting for game
- 4. How did the journey often change women's perceptions of their own capabilities?
A) They became more dependent on men.
B) Their perceptions remained unchanged.
C) They discovered greater physical and emotional strength.
D) They largely regretted leaving their homes.
- 5. What sentiment did many women express upon leaving their homes in the East?
A) A profound sense of loss and sorrow
B) Unbridled joy and excitement
C) Complete indifference
D) Relief to be escaping their families
- 6. What was a significant psychological challenge for women on the trail?
A) Conflict with other women
B) Boredom from lack of entertainment
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) Political involvement
B) Fashionable clothing
C) Formal education
D) Their social networks and communities
- 8. How did the reality of the journey typically compare to the women's initial expectations?
A) It was much easier and quicker.
B) It was exactly as they had imagined.
C) It was less scenic than promised.
D) It was far more difficult and arduous.
- 9. What was a common task for children that is highlighted in the diaries?
A) Repairing the wagons
B) Gathering buffalo chips for fuel
C) Bartering with Native Americans
D) Standing guard at night
- 10. Which river was a major landmark and challenge for many of the journeys described?
A) The Ohio River
B) The Platte River
C) The Colorado River
D) The Mississippi River
- 11. What personal mementos were women frequently noted for bringing on the journey?
A) Their wedding china
B) Portraits of political leaders
C) Books, letters, and family Bibles
D) Large pieces of furniture
- 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 reinforced traditional gender roles.
C) It had little to no lasting impact.
D) It was a transformative experience that fostered self-reliance.
- 13. Which group did women's diaries often describe with a mix of fear and curiosity?
A) US Cavalry regiments
B) Other wagon trains
C) Mountain men
D) Native Americans
- 14. The book primarily focuses on women's journeys to which US region?
A) The New England states
B) The American West
C) The Deep South
D) The Midwest
- 15. Which trail is frequently mentioned in the diaries?
A) The Oregon Trail
B) The Chisholm Trail
C) The Silk Road
D) The Appalachian Trail
- 16. Besides a wagon, what was a primary mode of transport?
A) Using stagecoaches
B) Traveling by steamboat
C) Riding horses
D) Walking
- 17. What was a common feeling upon reaching the destination?
A) A desire to turn back
B) Relief mixed with exhaustion
C) Immediate financial success
D) Disappointment and regret
- 18. What resource was crucial for survival on the plains?
A) Timber for building
B) Gold for trading
C) Salt for preservation
D) Water
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