Final answer:
The Oregon Trail and the California Trail were the two main routes used by pioneers traveling westward, starting in Missouri and leading to Oregon and California respectively. They played an essential role in the westward movement of settlers during the 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Oregon and California Trails
The two main trails used by pioneers traveling westward were the Oregon Trail and the California Trail. The Oregon Trail was approximately 2,000 miles long and started in Independence, Missouri, leading settlers across the western plains and the Rocky Mountains to the valleys of Oregon, most notably the Willamette Valley. It was the most famous and early on, the most significant route for those looking to start a new life in the West.
The California Trail, an extension of the Oregon Trail, branched southward into California and saw immigrants traveling in search of opportunities during the Gold Rush and beyond. Both trails played a critical role in the expansion of the United States and were essential to the westward migration of hundreds of thousands of people, including white Americans, Northern European immigrants, and African Americans seeking a fresh start away from the South's racism.
The journeys were arduous and could take five to six months to complete. Pioneers commonly walked beside their heavily loaded wagons to relieve the burden on the animals. Despite facing numerous hazards such as accidents, river crossings, and diseases like cholera and dysentery, real-life confrontations with Native Americans were infrequent compared to the popular Hollywood representations. Most of the tragedies on the trail were due to disease and accidents rather than conflicts.