Historian Dr. Margaret Billings claims that early American frontier diaries show that settlers prioritized community cooperation over individual independence during harsh winters. To investigate this, a researcher analyzed diaries written by settlers in Ohio during the exceptionally cold winter of 1812. Which choice from the analyzed diaries, if true, would most directly support Billings's claim?
- ADuring the winter, the temperature dropped so low that the river froze solid, preventing any travel between settlements.
- In December, all families in the valley pooled their remaining firewood and slept in a single cabin to conserve warmth.Answer
- CWe spent the summer months clearing our own fields and building a sturdy fence around our property to keep out wild animals.
- DSettlers who survived the winter were generally much hardier and more resourceful than those who remained in the eastern cities.
Answer
The diary entry stating that all families pooled their firewood and shared a cabin directly supports the claim by providing a clear instance of community cooperation during winter.
The diary entry describing families pooling firewood and sleeping in a single cabin directly supports the claim because it provides a specific, concrete example of community cooperation (sharing resources and space) during a harsh winter.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying textual evidence that directly supports a specific claim or hypothesis.
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