Final answer:
Dissatisfied groups historically crossed the Mississippi River by ferry and infrastructure improvements such as roads and canals. Settlement and expansion were documented in journals like those of Lewis and Clark and iconic artwork reflecting the American spirit of the westward movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ways of Crossing the Mississippi in Historical Context
The group of dissatisfied people likely crossed the Mississippi River using a range of methods throughout history. During the early periods of westward expansion, ferry crossings were a common method for transporting people and goods from shore to shore. In the context of the 19th century, as portrayed in John Gast's American Progress, settlers moving west would have used ferries and other available transportation methods to traverse the Mississippi, alongside increasing technological advancements like the telegraph, which symbolized the boundless hope and courage of the era.
The difficulties faced by explorers and settlers, such as those experienced by the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804, included fierce storms and treacherous conditions, which they overcame with a combination of preparation and perseverance. As they navigated the uncertain boundaries and geography of America, they established important precedents for peaceful interactions with Native American tribes and set the stage for future expansion, as depicted in paintings and noted in Article VIII promising free travel along the Mississippi.
Improvements in transportation infrastructure, such as the construction of roads and canals to support the economic growth and mobility of early American settlers, also facilitated crossings of the Mississippi. This was particularly necessary as new states joined the Union and the movement of goods and people became increasingly critical.