Pioneer Farmers

Who were the pioneer farmers?

Pioneer farmers were the first farmers to travel west, to Oregon and California.

When did the pioneer farmers go west?

People travelled west from the 1830s. They are known as the pioneer farmers.

Why did the pioneer farmers go west?

The pioneer farmers travelled west for 4 main reasons.

• ❖ They wanted independence.
• ❖ There was a financial crisis in the eastern states, which in 1837 led to 25% unemployment. Wages were cut by 40%.
• ❖ The east was becoming overpopulated.
• ❖ There was cheap farming land to claim, giving the pioneers a home and employment.
• ❖ There was a huge demand for food, so they could make a lot of money through farming, and by exporting any excess to Europe.

How did the pioneer farmers farm?

Larger farms could use steam-powered machinery, and retain a larger labour force of people.