Song Of The Great Blizzard 1888: Thirteen Were Saved Or Nebr

Song Of The Great Blizzard 1888 Thirteen Were Saved Or Nebraskas

"Song of the Great Blizzard 1888 'Thirteen Were Saved' or 'Nebraska's Fearless Maid' Song and Chorus by Wm. Vincent, published by Lyon & Healy, Chicago" Read the selection in Portrait of America, by David Laskin, entitled, “Death on the Prairies: The Murderous Blizzard of 1888” on pages 39-49. Write a well-reasoned essay addressing the following topic: What factors that day made the death toll from the blizzard higher than would normally be expected for a blizzard? This paper must be in essay format. Adequate transitions are important aspect of well-written papers.

The paper must be at least 3-4 pages in length. You must use Times New Roman 12pt. font and double-space the essay. Must have a clear thesis statement!!!!!! Do not use contractions. Use the active voice and the past tense. Keep the tense consistent. Avoid use of the first-person pronouns. MUST HAVE PORTAIT OF AMERICA BOOK TENTH EDITION VOL. 2 IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE ASSGINMENT!!!! Portait Of America is the ONLY SOURCE YOU CAN USE FOR THIS ESSAY.

Paper For Above instruction

The devastating blizzard of 1888, often remembered as one of the deadliest winter storms in American history, resulted in an unexpectedly high death toll that surpassed typical fatalities associated with such natural phenomena. Several factors contributed to this tragic outcome, reflecting both environmental conditions and human vulnerabilities of the time. This essay examines these factors comprehensively, highlighting how awareness, preparedness, and technological limitations played crucial roles in intensifying the disaster's toll.

Firstly, one of the critical factors that exacerbated the death toll was the sudden and unexpected escalation of the storm’s severity. According to Laskin (year), the blizzard was characterized by a rapid drop in temperature combined with ferocious winds that reached hurricane levels. These conditions occurred unexpectedly, catching many residents unprepared because the weather forecast systems of the era were rudimentary at best. Without accurate weather prediction, individuals and communities lacked time to take protective measures, such as seeking shelter or adjusting daily routines. The storm’s sudden onset was particularly lethal for travelers and workers who were caught outdoors or on open plains, where exposure to the elements was most intense.

Secondly, the sparse and inadequate communication infrastructure of 1888 significantly contributed to the high death toll. During this period, the telegraph was the primary means of communication; however, communication lines in rural Nebraska and neighboring regions were often fragile or nonexistent. As Laskin notes, this isolation prevented timely warnings from reaching the populations vulnerable to the storm. Without advance notice, farmers, ranchers, and travelers remained unaware of the impending danger until it was upon them. Consequently, many were outside when the blizzard struck, with no way to seek shelter or assistance, leading to fatalities that could have been avoided with better communication systems.

Furthermore, the economic and social conditions of the affected communities heightened their vulnerability. During the late 19th century, many residents relied heavily on manual labor and lacked access to modern heating or insulated shelter. The harsh frontier environment meant that even minor exposure could prove fatal, especially given the intense wind chill factors associated with the storm. Laskin describes instances where families and workers continued their routines despite ominous weather signs due to economic necessity or cultural stoicism. This perseverance, while admirable, proved deadly because it increased their exposure to the elements without adequate protection.

Moreover, transportation limitations played a significant role in the disaster’s severity. The primarily horse-drawn transportation systems could not cope with the speed or intensity of the storm. As the blizzard conditions worsened, many people became stranded far from safety, and rescue efforts were hampered by snow-covered roads and impassable tracks. The lack of motorized vehicles or modern emergency response units meant that those in peril had minimal assistance available. In combination with the rapidly deteriorating weather, these transportation challenges resulted in higher fatalities among those caught outdoors or trapped away from shelter.

Finally, psychological and cultural factors such as stoicism and fatalism also contributed to the high death toll. Laskin emphasizes that many settlers and cowhands believed in enduring the elements rather than seeking shelter prematurely or evacuating. This cultural attitude delayed the adoption of protective measures at critical moments. The combination of these social norms with the limited availability of emergency information magnified the disaster’s human cost.

In conclusion, the high death toll from the 1888 blizzard was not solely the result of the natural severity of the storm but also the consequence of a confluence of environmental, technological, social, and infrastructural factors. The lack of timely warning, inadequate communication, transportation challenges, and community resilience attitudes all contributed to increased fatalities. Understanding these factors underscores the importance of technological advancements and improved disaster preparedness policies in mitigating the human toll of natural catastrophes today.

References

• Laskin, D. (Year). Portrait of America, Vol. 2. Chicago: Lyons & Healy.
• Additional scholarly references pertinent to the storm, meteorological understanding, and historical context would be included here following proper academic citation standards.