Spencer+Ricks'+Whitman+Massacre


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

The primary causes for the Whitman Massacre were: the outbreak of cholera and measles (Marcus Whitman would not give infected indians medicine), Narcissa Whitman disliking the indian's way of life and showing contemt for them, the missionaries wanting to change indians religion and way of life, and the killing of a Walla Walla cheif's son.


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

 The Whiman familly and other white pioneers were the victims. Tiloukaikt and Tomahas, two Cayuse cheifs, were the ones who lead the war party in intent to murder the Whitmans. This happened in present day Walla Walla county in Washington on November 29, 1847.

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

One Factor that helped cause the conflict was the outbreak of cholera and measles. Many indians died of it and the Whitman family would not help them. Anather factor was the coming of the missionaries. The Indians were not excited when the missionaries came to change their ways. They knew the missionaries just wanted to take away their freedom and take over their land. The third factor was the killing of a Walla Walla cheif's son. Some whites killed a chef's son a few years before. To the indians, the whites were disrespectfull, ruthless killers. The indians sought their revenge in the Whitman Massacre.

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

The factor that was more important than the others was the outbreak of cholera and measles. Marcus Whitman had medecine that he was using for the people in his pioneer group of eighty three people. Many indians got measles and cholera and died. Marcus Whitman did not give the indians medecine so in the indian's eyes, Marcus was murdering many innocent indians.

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

The conflict could of been avoided if Marcus Whitman gave the dieing indians medecine. The Indians were just taking revenge of all hte indians that died during the measles and cholera.


 * What sources of information have you used? **

Lambert, Dale and Clark, Dustin. __Washington: a state of Contrasts__. East Wenatchee, WA: DMI, 2008.

Flora, Stephanie. "The Whitman Massacre."__Oregon Pioneers.__ 2004. Stephanie Flora.< [] >

"Whitman Massacre." __Fact--Archive__. 5/20/09.< [] >