The woman were impacted greatly because of the westward expansion. With all there journeys and traveling some men had to leave their families behind. Very few women went to California during the Gold Rush. They had many hardships of having to take care of farms or businesses and take care of the children (if any) on their own. If they were to go with their husbands they had to face a lot of hardships with going along trails or just traveling long distances. Many women also had to care for babies and children while along these trails or while traveling. The women during this time period did have different life experiences and changes so many women went through different hardships.
This is a picture of some woman as they are about to venture on a trail. Image from:http://libguides.southernct.edu/c.php?g=200161&p=1316421