Rieley


 * What do you believe were the causes of the conflict?**

Indians did not appreciate nor approve of pioneers settling on their land. Let alone take away their rights or way of life.

**What is the relevant background information (i.e. who, what, when, where)?**

The Whitman family was to operate the Waiilatpu Mission in southeastern Washington since 1837. They had hoped to convert the local indian tribes to christianity and convince them to change their nomadic lifestyle to a more "civilized" society. This tensed relations between the indians and pioneers which eventually lead to the massacre of fourteen people and fourty seven taken hostage.

**What were 3 factors that helped cause the conflict (politics, economics, geography, history)?**

The measle outbreak of of 1847, caused an eruption of anger between the Cayuse indians and the pioneers when they realized that more white patients were recovering then that of the indian patients. The real reason however, was due to measle outbreaks in Europe and America in past times so the pioneers had somewhat of an immunity to the disease.

Marcus Whitman returned with 900 pioneers who would settle in the Oregon Country. It appeared to the indians that the missionaries were encouraging more whites to come and displace the indians.

The american pioneers wanted to convert the indians to christianity and show that their life style was wrong and needed to become more civilized. The indians however felt no obligation to practice this religion.

**Explain why one factor is more important than the others.**

**How could the conflict have been avoided?**


 * What sources of information have you used? **