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The Donner Party chose to use the Hastings Cutoff primarily due to the promise of a shorter route to California, which they believed would save time and resources. They were influenced by misleading information from Lansford Hastings, who promoted the cutoff as a more direct path despite its challenging terrain. The allure of reaching their destination faster led them to overlook the potential dangers and difficulties associated with the untested route. Ultimately, this decision contributed to their tragic fate in the Sierra Nevada.

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2mo ago

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What cutoff did the donner party take?

They used the Hastings' Cutoff


Who made the shortcut for the donner party?

The shortcut for the Donner Party was proposed by Lansford Hastings. He was an ambitious young man who promoted the idea of a new, shorter route to California, which he believed would save time for westward travelers. Unfortunately, Hastings' shortcut, known as the Hastings Cutoff, proved to be extremely difficult and treacherous, contributing to the hardships faced by the Donner Party during their ill-fated journey in 1846.


Why did James reed and George Donner take Hastings cutoff?

James Reed and George Donner took the Hastings Cutoff in 1846 as an alternative route to California, believing it would provide a quicker path to their destination. They were influenced by Lansford Hastings, who promoted the route as a shorter and more direct way for emigrants. Unfortunately, the cutoff proved to be treacherous and poorly marked, leading to significant delays and hardships for the Donner Party. Their decision ultimately had dire consequences, contributing to the tragic events that unfolded during their journey.


What reasons led James Reed and Georger Donner to take Hasting Cutoff?

James Reed and George Donner chose to take Hastings Cutoff primarily due to their desire to find a quicker route to California. They were motivated by the promise of saving time, as the traditional route was known to be longer and more arduous. Additionally, they were influenced by Lansford Hastings, who promoted the cutoff as a shortcut in his pamphlet, despite warnings about its challenges and the untested nature of the route. This decision ultimately led to significant hardships for the Donner Party during their journey.


What happend on the 1846 on the way to the Donner party?

Basically, a guy by the name of Lansford Hastings decided to take a shortcut now called "Hastings Cutoff"). This shortcut would have saved them time, however, they were not prepared for the extreme weather they encountered. Deep snow and limited supplies ultimately led to the demise half of the party. 48 of the 87 members of the party survived.


What mountain pass did the Donner Party take to cross the Sierra Nevada?

The Donner Party took the Hastings Cutoff, which included the ill-fated route through the Wasatch Range and ultimately led them to the Sierra Nevada. They attempted to cross the Sierra Nevada via the Truckee Pass, but heavy snowfall and harsh conditions trapped them in the mountains during the winter of 1846-1847. This decision to take the cutoff ultimately contributed to their tragic circumstances.


Was it the donner party fault?

Its a matter of opinion. There are many people who believe that it was Hastings fault, and others believe that it was the Donner Party's fault. There is also many evidence that suppourts both sides.


Who is the Donner Pass named after?

It was a relatively easy way for wagon to make it through the Sierra Nevada mountain range (at the time it was called Hastings Cutoff). It made for a straight shot between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento. The Donner party made it famous by getting stranded there during a poorly advised winter crossing attempt. Donner pass is still used today. Hwy 80 goes through it between California and Nevada.


How was the donner party an American nightmare?

The Donner party proved how dangerous moving west in the United States could be, and how many things could go wrong.


How did the Donner Party occur?

Welllllll - They basically were heading west to strike it rich in California. THEN, they decided to take a shortcut (known as "Hastings Cutoff"). What they didn't realize is that heavy snow would make this route to California impossible to pass. They slowly pushed on and ultimately were able to send a party of snow-shoer's to get help.


How many wagons did the Donner party have?

16 wagons were on the donner party And 87 people that were with the donner party.


Margaret donner in donner party?

There was a girl named Mary Donner in the Donner Party, and a woman named Margaret Reed.