Studied by 10 people
what was a religious belief that encourged people to move west?
Manifest destiny
What was Manifest Destiny?
a belief that God intended the US to expand westward to the Pacific Ocean and their country should occupy the entire continent coast to coast.
what were factors that made people want to move west?
-overcrowding in the east -struggling to find work in the east -people lost money when the banks collapsed -no land to buy in the east -fertile land and gold in the west -cheap land west
what were some issues when travelling west across the plains?
although the views were pretty travellers had to defend their cattle, cross dangerous lands that could be fatal for themselves or horses, survive up to 40 miles without water or risk cholera.
what book did settlers use as a guide when travelling West?
The Emigrants Guide to Oregon and California published in 1845
what was the issue with the route the Donner Party took?
it was a shorter route designed by someone who had never taken it
what happened to a member of the donner party when crossing the dessert?
James reed was banished as he murdered in self-defence
when did the donner party start crossing the mountains?
on the 25th October but it wouldn't usually start snowing until mid-november.
what happened when the donner party crossed the mountains?
they were caught in a snow drift and it was too dangerous to continue. food diminished quickly and many died from starvation on the 15th of december and they were already eating bark and bones.
what happened to those who left the donner party in search for help?
15 people left on the 15th of dec for looking for help at the nearest fort which would take them 32 days to get to. after 6 days of starvation four people died and the flesh was stripped from their bones. the indian guides who refused to eat human flesh were shot and butchered. at last they found help at johnsons ranch
what happened to the rest of the donner party who didn't go in search of help after being stranded in the mountains?
half the emigrants were dead and half mad. 23 of them left the Sierras but the weaker were left. the ones left behind resorted to cannibalism as the main rescue party was delayed. James reed lead the rescue party and found his wife and children alive.
who founded mormonism and what led him to believe in it?
Joseph Smith was supposedly visited by an angel moroni who called him by name and said god had work for him. he said there was a book written on gold plates about 'former inhabitants of the continent'.
how were the mormon gold plates translated?
Joseph smith dictated to his friends and the translation came out in the 1830s.
when was the mormon church founded?
1830 and gained attention and although based on christian beliefs it differed greatly angering the christian united states.
why were the mormons hated in New York state in 1820-30?
hed only just started to grow the religion and was beginning to become hated being called blasphemous and a fraud. there was a lot of religious intolerance in a very christian united states
why did the people of Missouri dislike the mormons?
when smith and his followers moved to settlements in Missouri in 1838-39 the Missouri people didnt like them as the mormons referred to themselves as gods chosen people and lived separetly calling the rest of the population gentiles
what did other people think of polygamy?
some mormons and non-mormons hated the idea of polygamy. many considered it a sin against god (smith claimed god approved and was considered blasphemy)
How did Smith die?
imprisoned and hung by a mob in 1845
who continues Joseph Smiths role as the leader of the Mormons?
Brigham Young
why did the mormons move to salt lake?
Although the lake was saltwater and undrinkable the surrounding rivers were freshwater and the ground was fertile.
how long was the mormons journey to salt lake?
just under 3000km and involved 16000 mormons
how did the mormons organise on their journey to salt lake?
into wagon trains containing about 100 wagons each with a captain in charge of each train and a lieutenant in charge of each subdivision. discipline was strict. there were stops along the wy with blacksmiths, crops and accommodation providing support. 1000 log cabins were built along the Missouri river as winter quarter but 700 mormons still died from cold and disease.
how was disease prevented among the mormons when travelling?
they were split into separate wagon trains so this meant if one train got a disease it wouldnt spread among all the mormons.
how did mormons protect themselves from Indian attack?
they travelled in double file wagon trains with shotguns on the outside and at night arranged their wagons in a circle and kept the cattle in the middle.
who was the leader at salt lake?
Brigham Young had complete control over the mormons and they believed he was inspired by God and accepted it without question
how did the mormons make sure farming was efficent?
they surveyed the whole area and set yp settlements where farming was possible and farming was a success with wheat production increasing 3 times between 1850-1860
when at salt lake how did non-mormons feel about them?
non-mormons complained to the government. mormons had massacred people (mountain meadows massacre 1857 - 120 people died)
why did the mormons want self-sufficiency?
because polygamy wasn't accepted by other American people, it meant they wouldn't have to interact with gentiles
When was gold discovered in the Sierra river?
in 1840 and news spread by newspaper
How did the gold rush affect the population of California?
it rose from 15000 in 1849 to nearly 250000 in 1852
how was the tipi made so it was suitable for the indian nomadic lifestyle?
-bottom can be rolled up -the outside was made of buffalo skin to keep them warm and dry -it was lightweight and easy to set up (10 mins) -top allows smoke to escape and allows them to have fires safely
how were buffalo important to indian religion?
they were an important part of religion. before setting out on hunts bands would perform a traditional buffalo dance. the purpose was to call upon the spirit world to allow them a successful hunt
what is counting coup?
touching an enemy with a coup stick but leaving them unharmed. it was considered braver to touch than kill them.
why did indians take scalps?
-trophies of success in battle -believed scalping prevented their enemies from entering the afterlife
how can we see the USAs negative attitude towards Indians in the 1820s?
the bureau of indian affairs was set up within the US WAR department.
what did the US government in the 1830s so they could use the land the Indians were settled on?
they passed the indian removal pact which meant the Native indians were forcibly removed from their hands. The US claimed it was for there protection but thousands died. they were moved to the Great Plains.
why was the indians living on the Great plains an issue in the 1840s?
settlers began to cross it (between 1840 and 1848 about 11500 Americans went to Oregon and 2500 to California). There was a few violent incidents between settlers and Indians.
what problems did the indians overcome with their design of the tipi?
-the lack of wood -the strong wind -extreme temperatures -the need to move frequently
what are some examples of how buffalo the indians used the buffalo?
-tongue was eaten raw as a delicacy and hairbrush -skull was used for religious ceremonies -hooves used to make glue -gall used to make yellow paint -intestines used for buckets and cook vessels -dung used for fuel
how was the buffalo heart used?
it was cut from the body and left on the ground and give new life to the herd. the buffalo was sacred, man's relative who gave his life so that people could live. the heart might also be eaten raw so that the warrior could take the strength and power of the buffalo.
Why were horses important to the Plains Indians?
horses made it easier for them to hunt buffalo. they used it for transport and war. wealth was measured by how many horses they had.
what two things did the indian removal pact in 1830 do?
-it established a permanent indian frontier in the west across the Mississippi -it allowed the removal of the south-eastern Indian nations so that their lands would be available for settlement
what year was the fort laramie treaty enforced?
1851
who was the fort laramie treaty signed between?
9 of 13 of the Plains Indians tribes and the US government
what did the Plains Indians agree to in the Fort Laramie treaty?
-end fighting between tribes -allow migrants to travel through their land safely -permit railroad surveyors to enter the land safely -allow US army to construct roads and army posts -pay compensation if members of the tribe broke terms
what did theUS government agree to in the Fort Laramie treaty?
-protect native americans from white americans including those trying to settle on their land -pay the tribes 50000 per year
how did the fort laramie treaty change relationship on the Plains?
-treaty ignores nomadic culture -us government has more control -native americans more reliant on the aid provided to them by the government -not all Native Americans agreed to the treaty, the us government didnt have an understanding of the Plain Indians culture and lifestyle
what was the policy of concentration?
It set up new reservations, dividing tribes from one another
why did the policy of concentration fail?
the gold rush meant 100000 white settlers poured into indian territories in breach of the treaty
the government didnt stop this or the settlers who poured into Kansas and Nebraska plains from 1834 onwards
mail coaches and railroad surveyors cross the plains -if chiefs signed an agreement it didnt mean all bands agreed
When was the Cheyenne war?
1863-1867
What were the similarities between the Sioux and Cheyenne war?
both tribes began attacking because of the influx of miners and settlers flooding their land after the US government failed to prevent it.
who commanded Fort Phil Kearney?
Colonel Carrington who was inexperienced in indian warfare
what did Colonel Carrington order his troops to do?
after multiple skirmishes with the indians when his troops left the fort the Colonel ordered his troops not to pursue the indians.
what was an achievement of Red Cloud at Fort Phil Kearney?
since the superior firepower of the soldiers at the fort instead red cloud surrounded it meaning the army couldnt leave the fort and the bozeman trail was unusable. he kept together a force of several sioux bands.
what did Fetterman think of Carringtons fighting tactics against the Native Americans?
he was strongly critical and spoke in contempt of the indians fighting ability expressing that with "his skills could ride through the Sioux with 80 men."
what happened to fetterman when he went to fetch the wood-gathering party?
he was successful in rescueing the wood-gathering parties but when taunted by the Indians he moved deeper into the woods instead of retreating. he deployed his infantry and was defeated and murdered within 30 minutes.
who was sent after Fetterman and what did he find?
Carrington sent a relief army after hearing noise from the attack lead by Captain Ten Eyck who on reaching the site found disfigured bodies
what were differences between the northern and southern states at the start of the civil war?
in north climate and geography was not suitable for plantations whereas the south was more suitable
in the south the economy relied on slave labour whereas in the north there was an abolitionist movement and it was disappearing the new jersey being the last to ban it in 1804.
what did the north and southern disagree about when discussing trading?
The south relied on trading with Europe and wanted free trade so they could easily sell cotton to Europe but the north rejected it not wanting British competition in America
what factor meant that the north and southern states were often forced to comprimise?
there was an equal number of free and slave states in the federal government which meant they had the same amount of representatives
how were states formed when the USA began to expand Westwards?
Each territory settled and grew people within could apply for full statehood then be admitted into the union
what was the issue when Missouri tried to join the USA in 1819 and how was it resolved?
Missouri wanted to enter as a slave state which was an issue because it would mean there were more slave states but in 1820 the missouri comprimise was made meaning it could join as long as Maine joined as a free state.
when did opposition to slavery begin in the USA?
1817
what was one of the first efforts made to help slaves?
the movement bought land in west africa to resettle freed slaves but was not as successful as hoped as gained limited support and by 1860 only 12000 slaves migrated
when was the anti slavery society established?
1833 after slavery was abolished in the British Empire
what comprimise was made in 1850?
an uneasy compromise was made after the us expanded into Mexico and the issue of free and slave states arose. the compromise said: -California became a free state -New territories decided their own status - free or slave -North would aid in capturing escaped slaves
What was the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854?
The Kansas-Nebraska Act said that Kansas and Nebraska would be able to vote on if they wanted slavery or not.
What did the Republicans want?
the suporters were in the North and were anti-slavery.
what book helped strengthen the anti-slavery movement?
Uncle Tom's cabin which sold over 1 million copies by 1853
What was the Underground Railroad?
secret routes for runaway slaves to flee to freedom
How did the Underground Railroad work?
It was a network of secret routes and safe houses to help slaves escape and get them to freedom in the Northern states or Canada. it helped 50 000 slaves between 1840-60.
what happened to bleeding kansas?
kansas was evenly divided between anti and pro slavery. by 1856 the two sides were armed. in 1856 700 pro-slavery supporters attacked the free town of Lawrence stealing property and burning buildings. in retaliation John Brown took his 4 sons and 3 other men to attack Potawatomie Creek a pro slavery settlement. approx 200 people died after further violence. the government got involved and kansas became a free state.
What did John Brown do?
Led a group of powerful abolitionists to Harper's Ferry where they hoped to seize weapons and give them to slaves. Their plan failed because Lee's troops surrounded the Ferry and forced Brown's surrender. he was tried for treasons hanged but the northerns made him a matyr.
What party was Abraham Lincoln?
Republican
what step did Abraham Lincoln take in 1863?
he made the emancipation proclamation which was a key step to the abolition of slavery
Who was Jefferson Davis?
he was a slave owner who later returned to politics and in 1861 was elected president of the confderacy. after the Civil war he was imprisoned for two years.
when was conscription introduced in the american civil war?
southern states introduced it first in april 1862. the northern states in march 1863 but its effectiveness was limited by widespread opposition in both sides.
Why did Lincoln issue the Emancipation Proclamation?
-it would give the North a moral cause -slave labour was helping the confederate war effort with slaves working in ammunitions works and army camps -Britain and France wouldn't support the confederacy if the war turned into a fight against slavery
what was the american economy like at the beginning of the war?
pre-war economies of north and south were complimentary.
what happened to the northern economy during the civil war?
the northern shoe industry lost its southern market. the cotton-textiles market lost its access to raw materials from southern plantations. there were more demand for uniforms, munitions and railroads. in 1863 shoe prices rose by over 100%
what happened to the southern economy during the civil war?
the war was an economic disaster for the south with railroads being destroyed, cotton growing fell from 4 million bales to 300 00 in 1865. there were food shortages as labourers were employed to fight. planatation owners continued to grow cotton over much needed food. the south suffered inflation and the confederacy attempted to print money leading to hyperinflation.
When was the US Civil War?
1861-1865
What did women do during the civil war to help?
-20 000 women were employed including white and African American
The union created ladies aid socities to provide care and support for soldiers -The union set up the US sanitary commision which focused on improving healthcare for soldiers and employed women.
how were women's lives changed during and after the civil war?
-wealthy confederate women had to go without slaves -food shortages meant women struggled to provide for families meaning 100000 women and children died of starvation as food prices rose by 900% -many women lost husbands (over 250 000) -1 in 3 women in new orleans had to abandon their homes -women who worked as nurses suffered trauma -an army medical service forced people to give up their homes
what was the impact of military fighting?
-places left devastated by bombing -fighting caused a shortage of soldier so the government put a sign up bonus. in new york it was $300 -confederate guerrillas would force people to join them and those who refused were killed
what was wars impact on families and children?
-starving children -women who usually would be home looking after children disrupted family life -loss of family members -people had to leave homes because of fighting
What was the war's impact on law and order?
-the war caused breakdown of law and order and civilians were being mistreated -there were anti-conscriptions riots in new york 1863
What was Reconstruction?
the term given to the period after the civil war when the United States attempted to recover from the war and move on from its problem
what were two main problems with reconstruction?
-how the confederate leaders and soldiers should be treated -what would happened to the 3.5 million enslaved persons
Who replaced Abraham Lincoln as president in 1865?
Andrew Johnson
What was the Thirteenth Amendment?
formally banned slavery across the whole USA
What was the Fourteenth Amendment?
Gave citizenship to all persons born in the USA, gave African- Americans equal protection under the law
What was the Fifteenth Amendment?
a constitutional amendment that gave African American men the right to vote. it was passed in 1869 due to resistance from confederate states in allowing voting rights.
What were the Black Codes?
laws that greatly limited the freedom of African Americans by saying they couldn't testify against white people in court and prohibited racial intermarriage and jury service. congress believed unless forced to southern states wouldnt treat african americans fairly
what was in the civil rights act of 1866?
This act granted full citizenship to African Americans and gave Federal Government the power to intervene in state affairs to protect their rights. this was the first attempt by federal government to limit state control. it disqualified from office all war officer and this would only be pardoned if two-thirds voted for it.
what were the problems with reconstruction?
president johnson and republicans remained in dispute over reconstruction as the republicans wanted to ensure the vote for african americans and keep confederates out of parliament.
what is impeachment?
when the us president is put on trial by congress, a two-third majority is needed to remove them from office
why did the republican party want to impeach Andrew Johnson
they accused him of deliberately blocking the reconstruction acts. in 1868 they impeached him but it failed despite the majority of congress voting for it.
how were african americans able to gain a successful life once they were freed from slavery?
whilst some were poor some had served in the union army and had more oppurtunities. more independent churches appeared across the south with a million black baptists by 1890. they helped black education by funding schools and paying teachers
What was a carpetbagger?
a negative term used to criticise a northern politician. during reconstruction northerners got themselves elected in the southern state governments and used connections to become wealthy. southerners hated these people and accused them of exploiting the south.
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