Wild West

What was a major factor that contributed to the growth of the cattle industry in America from 1836?

Expansion Westward provided vast grazing lands.

How did railroads influence the cattle industry in the mid-19th century?

Railroads facilitated long-distance transportation of cattle to markets.

What increased the demand for beef in the 19th century?

A growing population and urbanization in the East.

What cultural phenomenon emerged during the rise of the cattle industry?

Cowboy culture became prominent, representing cattle drives.

What technological innovation helped ranchers manage their lands more effectively?

Barbed wire allowed ranchers to fence off land and manage herds better.

Which government policy supported the growth of the cattle industry by promoting settlement in the West?

The Homestead Act of 1862.

What challenge did cattle ranchers face during the winter of 1875?

Harsh weather caused a significant loss of cattle.

When was Fort Laramie established and what was its purpose?

Established in 1834, Fort Laramie served as a key supply and communication point.

What treaty aimed to maintain peace between Native American tribes and white settlers?

The Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1851.

During the Indian Wars, what role did Fort Laramie play?

It served as a base for military actions against Indigenous tribes.

What was the cultural significance of Fort Laramie?

It became a melting pot of various cultures, highlighting both cooperation and conflict.

What was the Homestead Act of 1862 primarily aimed to do?

Encourage westward migration by providing settlers with public land.

What were the eligibility requirements for applicants of the Homestead Act?

Must be 21 years old or head of a household, and U.S. citizens or intend to be.

What was one impact of the Homestead Act on settlement?

Led to an influx of settlers and the expansion of towns.

How did the Homestead Act alter land rights?

Caused disputes over land, especially with Native American tribes.

What major event was marked by the driving of the Golden Spike?

The completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869.

What challenges were faced during the construction of the transcontinental railroad?

Harsh weather, rugged terrain, and labor shortages.

How did the railroad impact economic development in the Wild West?

Facilitated movement of goods and boomed industries like mining and agriculture.

What government action supported the construction of the transcontinental railroad?

Land grants and loans to railroad companies.

What was one significant consequence of the expansion of the railroad on Native Americans?

Displacement from their lands and increased tensions.

What was the primary intention of the Dawes Act of 1887?

To assimilate Native Americans by promoting individual land ownership.

What was allocated to each Native American family under the Dawes Act?

160 acres of land.

What was the result of the soon-to-follow sale of surplus lands from the Dawes Act?

Facilitated further encroachment of settlers into Native American territories.

List one major consequence of the Dawes Act on Native American communities.

Drastic reduction of land holdings, with about 90 million acres lost by 1934.

After which act was the Dawes Act eventually repealed?

The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.

What did the Dawes Act illustrate in terms of U.S. policy during westward expansion?

The broader policy of assimilating Indigenous peoples into American society.

How did the Dawes Act affect Native American cultures?

Contributed to the erosion of cultures and communal lifestyles.

What was one long-term effect of the Dawes Act on Native American communities?

Increased poverty levels and economic instability.

In what year was the transcontinental railroad completed?

1869.

How did the population change along the railroad routes after the completion of the transcontinental railroad?

Significant increase in population as people migrated westward.

What was one impact of the railroad on cultural dynamics in the Wild West?

Encouraged interactions among various cultural groups.

What phrase describes the contribution of the Homestead Act to the American landscape?

Significantly altered the landscape, leading to conflict with Indigenous peoples.

What hindered many settlers’ success under the Homestead Act?

Harsh weather, lack of resources, and isolation.

How did the completion of the transcontinental railroad affect industries in the West?

It led to booming industries in mining, agriculture, and cattle ranching.