0
It refers to a group becoming cohesive and united against outsiders. It often involves presenting a united front against adversity. The phrase is derived from a practice of the early pioneers of the Western U.S. The pioneers traveled from the East in covered wagons, packed with all their belongings, and pulled by oxen or horses. They formed a caravan and traveled in small groups in a long line. At night, when they stopped to rest, the pioneers would draw up the wagons in a circle. Inside the circle was a fire, companionship, and safety. Outside the circle were wild animals, unfriendly strangers, and the unknown enemy.
Actually the defensive tactic of circling the wagons began with the Russians in the early fifth century.
The Russians used this circling of wagons against the Mongol light infantry to defend themselves in the region called the steppes. There the Russians drew their supply wagons into a circle and it became a portable fortress. As Mongol cavalry tried to raid the Russians, the Russian bowmen had the cover of their wagons to shoot arrows at the Mongols. Later, the Czechs used this and it was given the name of "the Wagenburg".
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Where did most pioneers settle?
They steeled out in the opened, with their wagons in a big circle
Why were wagon trains form a circle over night?
Forming a circle with the wagons allowed the travelers to form a defensive perimeter. They were able to use the wagons as a shield against attack and forming a circle allowed them to have protection from all directions. The westward bound settlers were fearful of Native Tribes.
What is a circle of covered wagon's called?
Corral - Random House Unabridged Dictionary: "Corral: a circular enclosure formed by wagons during an encampment, as by covered wagons crossing the North American plains in the 19th century, for defense against attack"laager - A laager, lager, leaguer or laer (Afrikaans, from Dutch leger (camp or army); Afrikaans pronunciation: [ˈlaːɡər] or [ˈliɡər]). The word is South African in origin, and originally referred to a formation used by travelers whereby they would draw wagons into a circle and place cattle and horses on the inside to protect them from raiders or nocturnal animals. In 19th century America, the same approach was used by pioneers who would "circle the wagons" in case of Indian attack
Why did the settlers circle there wagons?
They did that so that cattle could not leave. The circle worked like a cage and it help keep just about everyone happy.
Why were covered wagons called schooner wagons?
Because the tops of the wagons reminded people of ships at sea.
When was Circle the Wagons created?
Circle the Wagons was created on 2010-04-05.
What are the release dates for Circle the Wagons - 2013?
Circle the Wagons - 2013 was released on: USA: 30 April 2013
How do you use circle in a verb sentence?
Circle the wagons!
Is wagons a collective noun?
No, the noun 'wagons' is the plural of wagon. A collective noun is a word used to group people or things taken together as one whole in a descriptive way, for example a circle of wagons (the noun 'circle' is functioning as a collective noun).
What is it called when the wagons are in a circle and the Indians are attacking them?
Wagon fort
What is a camp defended by a circle of wagons called?
wagon fort
What actors and actresses appeared in Circle the Wagons - 2013?
The cast of Circle the Wagons - 2013 includes: Andrew Furtado as Sebastian Laroux-Levin Mike Gamms as Mark Levi Garcia as T.J.
Where did most pioneers settle?
They steeled out in the opened, with their wagons in a big circle
How could you use the word circle in a sentence?
They made a circle with the wagons to protect the animals. The compass made a perfect circle in the middle of the page.
What is the collective noun for wagons?
There is no standard collective noun for a group of wagons. A collective noun is an informal part of language and any noun that is suitable can function as a collective noun; for example, a circle of wagons, a train of wagons, a convoyof wagons, etc.
Why were wagon trains form a circle over night?
Forming a circle with the wagons allowed the travelers to form a defensive perimeter. They were able to use the wagons as a shield against attack and forming a circle allowed them to have protection from all directions. The westward bound settlers were fearful of Native Tribes.
What did caravans of pioneers do at night to protect themselves from attack?
they Placed their wagons in a circle formation
