US History; U3 Challenges in late 1800's (west expansion)

Great Plains

ROLLING, traceless plains which STRETCHED from TEXAS TO NORTH DAKOTA. Climates included little rainfall and very fertile soil.

This area was known as the “GREAT AMERICAN DESERT

Indian Reservations

“RESERVED” Areas of LAND for INDIAN TRIBES, given under FEDERAL AUTHORITY.

The “Reservation System” made Indians DEPENDENT ON FEDERAL GOV.

Assimilation

DESTRUCTION of TRIBAL WAYS as places were “Mainstreamed” TO AMERICAN WAYS

Americanization

The ADOPTION OF “AMERICAN” WAYS and Institutions such as private property. Made it so INDIANS could become part of “MAINSTREAM” SOCIETY.

Many reformers DID NOT appreciate “Americanization”

Bureau of Indian Affairs

A U.S Government AGENCY which sought to ENHANCE the QUALITY OF LIFE, Promote economic opportunity and carry out the RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT and IMPROVE the trust assets of AMERICAN INDIANS, INDIAN TRIBES, and ALASKA NATIVES

Boomtowns

Spots / Towns were DISCOVERIES were made. ADVENTURERES AND PROSPECTORS were ATTRACTED in hopes of STRIKING A FORTUNE.

Typically “boomtowns” sprang up overnight and became “ghost towns” when materials were all done. Arose before laws were adopted

Cowtowns

A TOWN OR CITY which serves as a MARKET CENTER or SHIPPING POINTT for cattle, typically large cattle.

Transcontinental Railroad

(1869) The FIRST OFFICIAL RAILROAD under the FEDERAL GOV and PACIFIC RAILWAY ACT which connected in Promontory Utah.

Land Grants

Grant of land MADE BY THE GOV, Especially for ROADS, RAILROADS OR AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. Also includes corporations, institutions, specific purposes etc.

Open-Range System

PUBLIC LANDS which do NOT BELONG TO ANYONE

Typically not fenced or claimed

Homesteader

(Federal Homesteader Act of 1862) Land MADE AVALIBLE for FARMERS at a LOW PRICE or NO COST if promised to IMPROVE the farm for 6 months or FARMED UPON for 5 YEARS.

moved WEST for AGARIAN LIFESTYLE

Grainger

A NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of FARMERS Social clubs.

FARMER IN LATE 1800S

Also CAMPAIGNED for STATE CONTROL OF RAILROADS and grain elevators.

Agrarian

First used in the 16TH CENTURY, known as a SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY, Describes things pertaining to CULTIVATION OF FEILDS, FARMING, AND LAND OWNING.

*When Farmers held significant influence and values were crucial for national independece

Soddy

aka SOD HOUSE, Type of DWELLING originated among the United States, SHELTER MADE OF SOD BLOCKS when wood or stone was Scarce.

Exodusters

Large-scale BLACK MIGRATION FROM SOUTH TO KANSAS, in the LATE 19TH CENTURY. Many were seeking a better life in the Great Plains.

Boomers

Those BORN from 1946 to 1964. Formed the LARGEST GENERATIONAL GROUP in US HISTORY

Sooners

Person which ILLEGALLY ENTERED UNASSIGNED LANDS OF OKLAHOMA, before the Official opening of the LAND RUN OF 1889, to STAKE A CLAIM to the BEST LAND

Gold Standard

MONETARY SYSTEM which the STANDARD UNIT OF CURRENY is a fixed QUANTITY OF GOLD.

Tarriff

GOVERNMENT TAX onto IMPORTED GOODS, used primarily for revenue and to protect domestic industries.

Populism

the POLITICAL MOVEMENT of the 19th century fueled by organizations such as the FARMERS ALLIANCE or PEOPLES PARTY.

Sought out to CHANGE power of cooperation’s and banks, advocate for government, currency reforms, and policies to BENIFIT FARMERS against CORRUPT ELITES.

Bimetallism

MONETARY SYSTRM based on the VALUE BETWEEN TWO METALS, typically gold and silver as the basis for currency and exchange.