Chapter 17: Wild, Wild West

White population

The increase in the white population in new states such as Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Native population

The presence of Plains Indians and Eastern natives who were driven from the East.

Spanish influence

The impact of Spanish culture and influence in the West before settlement.

Reservation System

The establishment of designated areas for Native Americans known as reservations.

Indian Wars

The conflicts and massacres between Native Americans and the U.S military, including events like the Sand Creek Massacre, Battle of Little Bighorn, and Wounded Knee Massacre.

A Century of Dishonor

A book written by Helen Hunt Jackson highlighting the mistreatment and injustices faced by Native Americans.

Dawes Severalty Act

A law passed in 1887 that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by granting them land but breaking up tribal structures.

Downfall of Native Culture

Factors such as the decline of buffalo, westward expansion, railroads, and diseases contributing to the destruction of Native American culture.

Reasons for Westward Expansion

The discovery of gold, the availability of free land through the Homestead Act, and the impact of railroads on migration.

Homestead Act

A law passed in 1862 that offered 160 acres of land to settlers who met certain requirements, such as cultivating the land and digging a well.

Cattle drives

The transportation of livestock and crops westward through the use of cattle.

Barbed wire

The invention and use of barbed wire as a means of protecting crops and ending cattle drives.

Life west of the 100th Meridian

The challenges faced by farmers in arid regions, leading to the practice of "dry farming" and the need to dig deep for water.

The last land grab

The opening of Oklahoma in 1889, resulting in a rush of settlers known as "Sooners."

Turner Thesis

The idea proposed by Frederick Jackson Turner that the frontier was closed, leading to questions about the future of the United States.