They were classified into four social classes: the king and aristocracy, the military, artisans and craftsmen, and peasants. Members of the aristocracy were the most respected social class, and were responsible for governing smaller areas of the dynasty.
Pioneer settlers were sometimes pulled west<span> because they wanted to make a better living. Others received letters from friends or family members who had </span>moved west<span>. These letters often told about a good life on the frontier. The biggest factor that pulled </span>pioneers west was the opportunity to buy land. On their journeys which were thousands of miles, they encountered disease, treacherous roads and enemies.<span> Traveling rough roads in covered wagons often resulted in death from failed river crossings, accidents or Indian attacks.</span>
<span>Wherever the Union armies went in the South (after the Emancipation Proclamation), they were under orders to liberate any slaves they found. </span>
