later developments in the west 1876-1895 Flashcards
(133 cards)
1
Q
What period is considered the ranchers’ heyday?
A
The 1860s to the 1880s
This period was marked by the Beef Bonanza.
2
Q
What led to the end of the Beef Bonanza?
A
Changing Tastes and Hard Winters
Eastern markets demanded higher quality meat than Longhorns could provide.
3
Q
Which two breeds were crossbred to improve meat quality?
A
Longhorns and Herefords
The crossbreeding aimed to enhance the quality of meat.
4
Q
What action did states take due to concerns about cattle diseases?
A
Passed quarantine laws
Kansas shut its borders to Texas cattle between March and November starting in 1885.
5
Q
What economic issue did ranchers face after 1885?
A
Less demand for beef and falling prices
Ranchers overstocked their cattle, leading to large herds.
6
Q
What natural event exacerbated the cattle crisis in 1886?
A
Drought
The drought limited grass availability for cattle.
7
Q
What were the average losses of cattle during the winter of 1886-1887?
A
Perhaps 30%
Many cowboys also died during this harsh winter.
8
Q
What transformation occurred in cattle ranching after the Beef Bonanza?
A
Ranchers had to adapt and raise better-quality animals
This involved shifting towards a more managed environment.
9
Q
What did ranchers begin to grow to support their cattle in winter?
A
Crops such as hay
This increased dependence on irrigation.
10
Q
What technology helped ranchers control their herds?
A
Windpumps
Allowed water to be pumped from underground sources.
11
Q
What significant change occurred in the role of the cowboy as ranching evolved?
A
Cowboys became domesticated ranch hands
Their responsibilities changed from long drives to more mundane tasks.
12
Q
How did the expansion of railroads affect cattle drives?
A
Made long drives unnecessary
Shifted the focus to fenced pastures.
13
Q
What happened to the frequency of cattle round-ups?
A
Occurred less often with smaller herds
This reduced the need for cowboys.
14
Q
What impact did ranching changes have on cowboy living conditions?
A
Became more settled and comfortable
They had to follow ranch rules and worked regular hours.
15
Q
The romantic image of the cowboy remained a symbol of what?
A
A wild and free existence
This image persisted despite changes in their lifestyle.
16
Q
What was the approximate number of immigrants to America between 1865 and 1890?
A
10 million
Many of these immigrants helped settle the West, including Scandinavians in the Dakotas.
17
Q
By 1900, how many farms were there on the Great Plains?
A
500,000 farms
This indicates significant settlement and agricultural development in the area.
18
Q
What was the Exoduster movement?
A
A mass migration of approximately 20,000 African Americans to Kansas in 1879
This occurred as African Americans faced growing oppression in the South after the Reconstruction era.
19
Q
What did the Desert Land Act of 1877 allow farmers to do?
A
Buy up to 640 acres of dry land at a low cost if they irrigated it within three years
This encouraged settlement in arid regions of the Plains.
20
Q
What significant event took place during the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889?
A
The government opened up two million acres of land in Oklahoma to settlers
This land had previously been Indigenous territory.
21
Q
How did the expansion of railroads by 1890 impact the Great Plains?
A
Linked farmers on the Plains with wider markets and reduced isolation
Six railroads crossed the US from east to west by this time.
22
Q
What were some adaptations made by people living on the Great Plains?
A
Towns developed, communities grew, and luxury goods became available through railroads
These changes made life more comfortable for settlers.
23
Q
What was a major challenge faced by new farms on the Great Plains?
A
High failure rate due to severe droughts and overgrazing
Many farmers went into debt or abandoned their farms.
24
Q
What is ‘dry farming’?
A
A technique involving turning the soil after rain to cope with low rainfall
This method helped retain moisture in the soil.
25
What types of machinery were developed for farming during this period?
Reapers, binders, harvesters, and steam-powered tractors
## Footnote
These innovations improved the efficiency of harvesting grain.
26
What are bonanza farms?
Large farms that grew and harvested wheat on a large scale
## Footnote
These farms contributed to the agricultural output of the Great Plains.
27
By 1895, how much more wheat and corn was the US producing compared to 1860?
Around three times as much
## Footnote
This reflects the significant agricultural development on the Great Plains.
28
True or False: By the 1890s, farming was becoming less mechanized.
False
## Footnote
Farming became increasingly mechanized, leading to greater productivity.
29
What was the approximate number of immigrants to America between 1865 and 1890?
10 million
## Footnote
Many of these immigrants helped settle the West, including Scandinavians in the Dakotas.
30
By 1900, how many farms were there on the Great Plains?
500,000 farms
## Footnote
This indicates significant settlement and agricultural development in the area.
31
What was the Exoduster movement?
A mass migration of approximately 20,000 African Americans to Kansas in 1879
## Footnote
This occurred as African Americans faced growing oppression in the South after the Reconstruction era.
32
What did the Desert Land Act of 1877 allow farmers to do?
Buy up to 640 acres of dry land at a low cost if they irrigated it within three years
## Footnote
This encouraged settlement in arid regions of the Plains.
33
What significant event took place during the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889?
The government opened up two million acres of land in Oklahoma to settlers
## Footnote
This land had previously been Indigenous territory.
34
How did the expansion of railroads by 1890 impact the Great Plains?
Linked farmers on the Plains with wider markets and reduced isolation
## Footnote
Six railroads crossed the US from east to west by this time.
35
What were some adaptations made by people living on the Great Plains?
Towns developed, communities grew, and luxury goods became available through railroads
## Footnote
These changes made life more comfortable for settlers.
36
What was a major challenge faced by new farms on the Great Plains?
High failure rate due to severe droughts and overgrazing
## Footnote
Many farmers went into debt or abandoned their farms.
37
What is 'dry farming'?
A technique involving turning the soil after rain to cope with low rainfall
## Footnote
This method helped retain moisture in the soil.
38
What types of machinery were developed for farming during this period?
Reapers, binders, harvesters, and steam-powered tractors
## Footnote
These innovations improved the efficiency of harvesting grain.
39
What are bonanza farms?
Large farms that grew and harvested wheat on a large scale
## Footnote
These farms contributed to the agricultural output of the Great Plains.
40
By 1895, how much more wheat and corn was the US producing compared to 1860?
Around three times as much
## Footnote
This reflects the significant agricultural development on the Great Plains.
41
True or False: By the 1890s, farming was becoming less mechanized.
False
## Footnote
Farming became increasingly mechanized, leading to greater productivity.
42
What was a major issue in the Wild West?
Lawlessness was still a big issue
## Footnote
The term 'Wild West' reflects a time of significant disorder and lack of law enforcement.
43
What is the 'Western Civil War of Incorporation'?
A term used to describe the violence in the late 1800s due to societal changes, including the takeover by corporations
## Footnote
This was partly due to the influence of cattle barons and railroads over homesteaders.
44
Why were outlaws sometimes viewed as heroes?
They stood up for ordinary people against institutions like banks and railroads
## Footnote
This perception was fueled by their Robin Hood reputation.
45
What were the Range Wars?
Conflicts over land and power between cattle barons and homesteaders
## Footnote
These conflicts often involved violence and lawlessness.
46
What was the Lincoln County War?
A conflict in 1878 between cattle barons and John Tunstall who sought to establish a rival business
## Footnote
Tunstall's murder led to the formation of the Regulators, including Billy the Kid.
47
Who was Billy the Kid?
An outlaw involved in the Lincoln County War, known for robbery and cattle rustling
## Footnote
He became a famous figure of the Wild West after escaping from jail.
48
What actions did the Regulators take after Tunstall's murder?
They killed Sheriff Brady and his deputy
## Footnote
This escalated the violence in the Lincoln County War.
49
What was the outcome of the Lincoln County War?
Approximately 19 men died during the conflict
## Footnote
The war highlighted the lawlessness of the period.
50
What triggered the Johnson County War?
Homesteaders felt cattle barons were stealing their land
## Footnote
Cattle barons accused homesteaders of cattle rustling, leading to violent confrontations.
51
What was the role of vigilantes in the Johnson County War?
They dealt out 'justice' for cattle barons
## Footnote
Vigilantes participated in violent actions, including lynchings.
52
What happened during the vigilante raid in 1892?
A lynch mob murdered James Averill and Ella Watson
## Footnote
This event marked a significant escalation in violence in Johnson County.
53
What was the response of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association?
They mounted a huge vigilante raid into Johnson County
## Footnote
This raid involved a special train provided by the Union Pacific Railroad.
54
What was the outcome of the conflict between the vigilantes and locals?
A bloodless truce was achieved with the intervention of the army
## Footnote
This truce saved the vigilantes from being overwhelmed by local resistance.
55
What was the condition of the Wild West by 1895?
The situation had improved for a variety of reasons.
56
Who were typical figures in law enforcement during the Wild West?
Lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Pat Garrett.
57
What role did Wyatt Earp play in the Wild West?
He was a lawman and entrepreneur, involved in the OK Corral shootout.
58
What event is the OK Corral shootout associated with?
It symbolizes the lawlessness of the Wild West.
59
Fill in the blank: Wyatt Earp and his associates killed three men accused of _______.
cattle rustling.
60
What happened to the charges against Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday after the shootout?
The charges were later dropped.
61
What was the Dodge City War?
A faction fight between a saloon-keeper friend of Earp and a corrupt mayor.
62
Who was Pat Garrett?
Sheriff of Lincoln County who hunted down Billy the Kid.
63
What was Bill Tilghman known for?
Being respectable and honest, not quick to resort to violence.
64
How did the expansion of railroads affect law enforcement?
It helped law enforcement as news travelled faster.
65
What demand did new homesteaders have in the West?
They demanded better law and order.
66
How did the development of towns contribute to law and order?
Improved living conditions encouraged better behavior.
67
Fill in the blank: Between 1876 and 1890, seven territories became _______.
states.
68
What was the significance of the Johnson County War?
It showed that there was still progress to be made in law and order.
69
What major change occurred in Dodge City by 1886?
It became a sleepy town as cattle trails disappeared.
70
What was Wyatt Earp's involvement in Hollywood?
He worked as an advisor on early Hollywood westerns.
71
True or False: Lawmen in the Wild West were always respected and honest.
False.
72
What major battle did Indigenous peoples win in 1876?
Little Bighorn
## Footnote
This battle was a significant but short-term victory for the Indigenous peoples.
73
Who confirmed the presence of gold in the Black Hills in 1874?
Lt. Col. George Custer
## Footnote
This discovery led to a gold rush and increased tensions with the Sioux.
74
What did the US government try to do regarding the Black Hills?
Buy the Black Hills from the Sioux
## Footnote
The Sioux refused as the Black Hills were sacred to them.
75
What treaty guaranteed the Black Hills to the Sioux?
Second Fort Laramie Treaty
## Footnote
This treaty was significant in recognizing Sioux land rights.
76
What was the consequence for the Sioux when they refused to return to their reservation?
Regarded as hostile by the government and military
## Footnote
This refusal led to military action against them.
77
Who were the leaders of the Sioux during the uprising in 1876?
Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse
## Footnote
They raised the largest force of Indigenous warriors, about 4000.
78
What was the outcome for Custer and his command at Little Bighorn?
Custer and all 225 of his command were killed
## Footnote
This marked a significant defeat for the US Army.
79
What advantage did many Indigenous warriors have over Custer's soldiers?
Repeating Winchester rifles
## Footnote
Custer's soldiers were armed with single-shot Springfields.
80
What did the US Army do following the victory at Little Bighorn?
Launched a winter campaign against the Sioux in 1876-77
## Footnote
This campaign aimed to suppress the Sioux's resistance.
81
What ultimately forced the Sioux to surrender?
Hunger and loss of their horses
## Footnote
These factors led to their forced relocation to reservations.
82
What happened to Crazy Horse after he surrendered?
Killed by a US soldier while resisting arrest
## Footnote
His death symbolized the violent suppression of Indigenous resistance.
83
What happened to Sitting Bull after his retreat to Canada?
Returned and surrendered in 1881
## Footnote
His surrender marked a significant moment in the defeat of the Sioux.
84
What event marked the end of armed conflict between Indigenous peoples and the army?
Wounded Knee Massacre
## Footnote
This occurred in 1890 and was the final suppression of Indigenous resistance.
85
Who was Wovoka, and what did he teach?
An Indigenous spiritual leader who taught a special Ghost Dance
## Footnote
He believed it could raise the dead and create a new world free from settlers.
86
What sparked the tensions that led to the Wounded Knee Massacre?
The performance of the Ghost Dance by some Sioux
## Footnote
This raised concerns among settlers and the army.
87
How many Sioux were estimated to have died in the Wounded Knee Massacre?
About 250 Sioux
## Footnote
The massacre also resulted in the death of 25 soldiers.
88
What belief did some Sioux have regarding Ghost Dance shirts?
That special shirts would protect them from bullets
## Footnote
This belief was shattered when the shirts were pierced by bullets.
89
What was the result of the Wounded Knee Massacre for the Sioux tribes?
Destruction of faith in magical restoration of old ways of life
## Footnote
The reservation was reluctantly accepted as their new home.
90
When did all Sioux warriors surrender following the Wounded Knee Massacre?
By mid-January 1891
## Footnote
This marked the effective end of organized Indigenous resistance.
91
What was the primary reason for the buffalo slaughter by settlers?
To feed soldiers, railroad workers, and for the demand of buffalo robes and leather
## Footnote
The demand for buffalo robes began in the 1850s, and a process to make buffalo hides into leather was developed from 1871.
92
How many buffalo were estimated to be on the Plains in 1865?
13 million buffalo
## Footnote
By the end of the century, buffalo were almost extinct due to over-hunting.
93
What was the effect of buffalo extinction on Indigenous peoples?
Their main source of food was gone, leading many to accept life on reservations to avoid starvation.
94
Did the US government have an official policy to exterminate buffalo?
It's not clear, but many recognized that destroying buffalo would help defeat Indigenous peoples.
95
Who is quoted as saying that exterminating buffalo would bring lasting peace?
General Sheridan
96
What impact did reservations have on Indigenous culture?
Reservations destroyed their culture by making them dependent on government aid and undermining tribal structures.
97
What demographic changes occurred among Indigenous peoples on reservations?
Many tribes were moved off their culturally significant ancestral lands.
98
How did the government enforce cultural assimilation among Indigenous peoples?
By threatening to withhold rations and taking children for education.
99
What was one significant school for Indigenous education?
Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania, founded in 1879.
100
What practices were banned by the government on reservations?
Polygamy and religious practices such as the Sun Dance.
101
What were some advantages the US army had over Indigenous peoples?
Better weapons, control through forts, and a strong communication system.
102
What hindered organized resistance among Indigenous nations?
Divisions between Indigenous nations and the conditions of reservation life.
103
True or False: The Indigenous peoples of the Plains were able to effectively resist settlers.
False
104
Fill in the blank: The formerly nomadic Indigenous peoples became __________ due to life on reservations.
demoralised
105
What was the primary reason for the buffalo slaughter by settlers?
To feed soldiers, railroad workers, and for the demand of buffalo robes and leather
## Footnote
The demand for buffalo robes began in the 1850s, and a process to make buffalo hides into leather was developed from 1871.
106
How many buffalo were estimated to be on the Plains in 1865?
13 million buffalo
## Footnote
By the end of the century, buffalo were almost extinct due to over-hunting.
107
What was the effect of buffalo extinction on Indigenous peoples?
Their main source of food was gone, leading many to accept life on reservations to avoid starvation.
108
Did the US government have an official policy to exterminate buffalo?
It's not clear, but many recognized that destroying buffalo would help defeat Indigenous peoples.
109
Who is quoted as saying that exterminating buffalo would bring lasting peace?
General Sheridan
110
What impact did reservations have on Indigenous culture?
Reservations destroyed their culture by making them dependent on government aid and undermining tribal structures.
111
What demographic changes occurred among Indigenous peoples on reservations?
Many tribes were moved off their culturally significant ancestral lands.
112
How did the government enforce cultural assimilation among Indigenous peoples?
By threatening to withhold rations and taking children for education.
113
What was one significant school for Indigenous education?
Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania, founded in 1879.
114
What practices were banned by the government on reservations?
Polygamy and religious practices such as the Sun Dance.
115
What were some advantages the US army had over Indigenous peoples?
Better weapons, control through forts, and a strong communication system.
116
What hindered organized resistance among Indigenous nations?
Divisions between Indigenous nations and the conditions of reservation life.
117
True or False: The Indigenous peoples of the Plains were able to effectively resist settlers.
False
118
Fill in the blank: The formerly nomadic Indigenous peoples became __________ due to life on reservations.
demoralised
119
What significant change occurred by 1895 regarding the American frontier?
The American frontier no longer existed as settlers had claimed so much land.
120
What was the government policy towards Indigenous peoples from the 1850s?
To move Indigenous peoples onto reservations away from settlers.
121
What was the goal of splitting up reservations in the late 1880s?
To convert tribesmen into independent farmers.
122
What was the Dawes Act of 1887?
It broke reservations into allotments for individual tribal members to own and farm.
123
How many acres were assigned to each head of family under the Dawes Act?
160 acres.
124
What was the fate of the surplus land after allotments were assigned under the Dawes Act?
It was opened up to settlers.
125
What were 'Indian schools'?
Schools established from the sale of surplus land where children had to dress like settlers and weren't allowed to speak tribal languages.
126
By 1900, how many acres had Indigenous peoples lost from their original land under the Dawes Act?
Down from 138 million acres in 1887 to 28 million acres.
127
What happened to lands belonging to certain tribes under the Dawes Act?
They were exempt but eventually lost through forced sales.
128
What was the outcome of the Dawes Act by 1934?
The government repealed the Dawes Act and encouraged tribal identities.
129
What was the impact of the Dawes Act on Indigenous peoples' land ownership?
They lost over 60 percent of their original reservation lands.
130
What census result in 1890 indicated the End of the Frontier?
There was no longer a definable Western frontier of settlement.
131
What does the term 'Manifest Destiny' refer to?
The belief that settlers were destined to expand across North America.
132
Fill in the blank: The Dawes Act aimed to destroy tribal bonds and lead to the _______ of Indigenous people into US society.
[assimilation]
133
True or False: The Dawes Act successfully improved the lives of Indigenous peoples.
False.
