Western Expansion and Its Impact on the American Character (1860-1895)

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Western Expansion and its impact on the American economy and society.

Homestead Act (1862)

Bill that encouraged settlers to move west; 160 acres of land were given to any American citizen or applicant who farmed the land for 6 months and paid a $10 registration fee.

Morrill Land-Grant Act (1862)

Provided federal land to states to establish colleges focused on agriculture and mechanical arts, promoting higher education and economic development.

Bonanza farms

Large-scale agricultural operations in the Great Plains that focused on producing single crops using advanced machinery and techniques; often owned by investors and managed like businesses.

Massacre at Wounded Knee (1890)

The last large scale attempt by the Natives to resist American settlement in the Great Plains region; federal soldiers killed 200+ natives.

Dawes Act (1887)

Designed to break up Native tribes by offering individual Natives land to be used for either farming or grazing.

Gold standard

A monetary system where a country's currency value is directly tied to a fixed quantity of gold.

Farmers’ Alliances

Organization that united farmers at the statewide and regional levels; policy goals included more readily available farm credits and federal regulation of the railroads.

Populist Party

Formed in 1892 by members of the Farmers’ Alliances, this party favored a larger role of government in society, a progressive income tax, and more direct methods of democracy.

Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

First federal legislation aimed at curbing monopolistic practices and promoting fair competition in the U.S.; prohibited agreements that restrained trade and outlawed attempts to monopolize industries.

Interstate Commerce Act (1887)

Designed to regulate the railroad industry and its monopolistic practices; required railroads to charge fair and reasonable rates and prohibited discriminatory pricing.