4. In 1850, what was the most direct route from Independence, Missouri, to San Francisco,
California? Explain your reasoning.

The most direct route from Independence in Missouri to San Francisco in California was the Oregon Trail.

The Oregon Trail was a road built in the 1830s that connected the Missouri River Valley with the valleys in the modern state of Oregon for movement of goods and people.

The Oregon Trail connects the Great Plains with the western United States and played a huge role in the development of the Wild West.

In conclusion, the most direct route from Independence in Missouri to San Francisco in California was the Oregon Trail.

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In 1850, the most direct route from Independence, Missouri, to San Francisco,  California, was the Oregon Trail.

Explanation:

The Oregon Trail is a historic road built in the 1830s, about 3200 km long. The road connected the Missouri River Valley with the valleys in the modern state of Oregon, and was suitable for moving carts. This is the oldest road connecting the Great Plains with the western United States. The Oregon Trail played a huge role in the development of the Wild West.

The emergence of the Oregon Trail was part of the natural process of US expansion to the west. After gaining independence, the search and construction of roads connecting the independent states with the Northwest Territory, which was not yet part of the United States, began. Then they went further west in Missouri and Iowa. At the same time, shipping was established along the Mississippi and its tributaries, which helped to populate the Great Plains. Along the rivers appeared cities that became the starting points on the Oregon Trail, and ships could easily deliver goods to these cities. By the beginning of the mass migration to the west, however, most of the land along which the Oregon Trail passed was still uninhabited and less civilized.  

The Oregon Trail began on the Missouri River, crossed the Rocky Mountains and led to the Pacific coast, which was known as Oregon and had no defined boundaries. After the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869, the Oregon Trail lost its former significance, being occasionally used until the end of the 19th century.

the articles of confederation only set up the continental congress at the federal level. there were no executive or judicial branches except within the states. the states were allowed to keep every right that was not specifically given to congress. the bonding of the states was through a 'firm league of friendship' that best served as a defense agreement against invasion. states were not allowed to use taxes as a way to discourage treaties, and states were extremely limited in their dealings with foreign nations.

not many historians today talk about the strengths of the articles of confederation, likely because of how unpopular the document quickly became. the articles did set the legislative body, congress, as the highest power in the nation because of the fear of monarchy. congress had the sole power to declare war, assign treaties, entertain foreign relations, and operate post offices. disputes between states and territorial issues were to be brought to congress. the document also stipulated that canada was allowed to enter the union if they desired.

there were more weaknesses than strengths under the articles of confederation. the lack of power given to the continental congress strangled the federal government. the articles gave congress the power to pass laws but no power to enforce those laws. if a state did not support a federal law, that state could simply ignore it. congress had no power to levy taxes or regulate trade. without a federal court system or executive leader, there would be no way to enforce these laws, either. amending the articles of confederation would also require a unanimous decision, which would be extremely difficult.

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