Final answer:
The travelers in 'Western Wagons' are characterized by optimism and a firm belief in manifest destiny, as they perceive the West as a land of unerring promises and better opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of the travelers best captured in the line from "Western Wagons" - 'We're going West tomorrow, where the promises can't fail' - is their optimism and belief in the manifest destiny. This line reflects the overwhelming sense of hope and the certainty that the West held opportunities and a promise of a better life that would not disappoint the settlers. This sentiment was in line with the 19th century belief in manifest destiny, the idea that Americans were destined to expand across the continent, bringing their values and civilization with them.
Historical references such as Horace Greeley's encouragement to "Go west, young man" and the portrayal of America in "American Progress" represent this notion of westerly expansion as a divine right and a responsibility to spread democratic values. The belief in a bright future was paramount, as settlers journeyed towards the Pacific with aspirations to create a new life. Even popular culture of the time, through traveling circuses and shows, perpetuated this romanticized image of the West, which often overshadowed the harsh realities and the impact of expansion on Native American populations.