American West | 1865-1890 Flashcards
(15 cards)
Who first used the term Manifest Destiny?
John O’Sullivan in 1845
Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century doctrine that justified American territorial expansion.
What did the Homestead Act of 1862 provide?
160-acre plots to farmers for free if they stayed for 5 years
This act aimed to encourage westward expansion and settlement.
What was the purpose of the Timber and Culture Act of 1873?
Gave homesteaders an additional 160 acres if they planted trees
This encouraged the development of Bonanza farms.
What significant agricultural development occurred by 1880 due to the Timber and Culture Act?
3000 large farms with over 1000 acres each
These farms were known as Bonanza farms.
What was the population increase in the West from 1865 to 1890?
From 760,000 in 1865 to 6 million in 1890
This reflects the rapid expansion and settlement in the American West.
When did the Second Gold Rush begin?
In the Black Hills of Dakota in 1874
This led to a surge in population and economic activity in the region.
What significant inventions did Joseph Glidden produce in 1873?
The first effective barbed wire, deep drilled wells, and steel windmills
These innovations greatly impacted agriculture and land use.
How much did American wheat exports rise from 1867 to 1902?
From 6 million bushels in 1867 to 102 million in 1902
This indicates the expansion of agriculture and its importance to the economy.
What was the purpose of boarding schools for Native American children?
To assimilate them into American culture
By 1899, $2.5 million was being spent annually on these schools.
What did the Dawes Act of 1887 accomplish?
Divided up reservations and gave each head of a Native American family 160 acres
This aimed to promote individual land ownership among Native Americans.
What was the Battle of Wounded Knee?
The final tragedy for Native Americans, where the Sioux tribe was defeated in 1890
This event marked the end of large-scale Native American resistance.
Who devised ‘The Long Drive’ for cattle from Texas to the North?
Joseph McCoy
This route became crucial for cattle ranching in the late 19th century.
How many cowboys were there in 1880?
40,000 cowboys
This highlights the scale of cattle ranching during this period.
What ended the Long Drives in the late 1880s?
A series of bad winters from 1885 to 1887 and easier transportation via railways
These factors significantly changed cattle ranching practices.
What was the significance of Frederick Jackson Turner’s essay in 1893?
It discussed the importance of the Frontier and its impact on American character
Turner’s thesis argued that the frontier shaped American democracy and individuality.
