The Donner Party Disaster - Essay Example

The proposal of the route was defined first by George Donner, who was going west to help with rebuilding a life in which Catholic beliefs could easily be practiced. It was also associated with James Reed who was interested in helping with his wife’s recovery, who was suffering from tuberculosis. The leader of the group through Wyoming was William Russell who set the route for all 500 wagons. This created the first problem, which was a delay because of an uprising in the river and which caused many to reconsider the approach needed to cross the river (McGlashan, p. 16). This first problem that arose was one of circumstance but what is led to the final outcome of the event.

The initial problem with the route was defined when Hastings sent letters to emigrants interested in starting a new wife. The experience which Hastings had also created a recommendation to start a new route and to travel in large groups. However, this explanation didn’t provide information on what the new route should be with most of the territory being unexplored. This was followed by the leaders who tried to work on the trailer, including Donner, Bryant, and Jim Bridger. The approach which was taken was to avoid hostile Indians and to take an approach based on an easier route than Hastings took.

Similar to the first problem, the decision made by all leaders was based on finding a simpler route and looking for solutions to the main problem. From this perspective, none can be blamed for the unknown circumstances which were faced. Hastings was also riding ahead with the new trail, specifically to assist with the difficulties; however, the objective of getting over the mountain passes led most with the need to continue to move through the journey. It was the leadership that was based on a difficult journey that led to mishaps and difficulties during the travels (Rarick, p.11). The last consideration to make was when the families began to split on the journey. 

The problems which arose with the travels to the west by the Donners Party can easily be defined as a tragedy. This not only comes from the hardships which occurred with the journey but also because of the lack of assistance and problems which arose. However, there isn’t enough conclusive evidence to place blame on anyone traveling. Most of the situation was circumstantial, including traveling to the unknown parts of the west without guidance and having to move around the paths which had not been created.

Combining this with the circumstances of the weather and several drawbacks can also be attributed to the problems which arose. The leaders of the party, while coming to some disagreements, were only trying to assist in the travels and to reach the destiny desired. In this instance, no one can be found at fault for the tragedy which occurred.