American Settlers and the Louisiana Purchase

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Questions and Answers

The Louisiana Purchase was completed for $15 million.

True

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led their expedition by starting in California.

False

The Oregon Trail was approximately 1,500 miles long.

False

Sacagawea played a crucial role as a guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark.

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Manifest destiny was the belief that the United States should not expand its territory.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Santa Fe Trail led from Independence, Missouri to Santa Fe, Texas.

False Signup and view all the answers

Food shortages were one of the challenges settlers faced on the Oregon Trail.

True Signup and view all the answers

Daniel Boone was a famous frontiersman who established the Wilderness Road.

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The Mormon Trail was taken by thousands of Mormons to reach Texas.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Comstock Lode was a significant discovery of precious metals in Nevada.

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Boomtowns often grew rapidly due to successful mining operations.

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The Cattle Kingdom extended from Texas to the Pacific Ocean.

False Signup and view all the answers

Mining was a safe occupation for workers in the West.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Pony Express was rendered obsolete by the telegraph.

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The Pacific Railway Acts provided significant support for railroad companies.

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Traders along the original Native American trading route exchanged goods primarily with European settlers.

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The Central Pacific Railroad started its construction in Sacramento and worked west towards Omaha.

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The Treaty of Fort Laramie recognized Native American claims to the Great Plains.

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Railroads had no significant impact on the population growth in the West.

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Most southern Plains Indians agreed to move to reservations under the 1867 Treaty of Medicine Lodge.

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The U.S. government always honored the treaties made with Native Americans without conflict.

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The standard time system established by railroad companies divided the country into five time zones.

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Native Americans resisted confinement on reservations, leading to conflicts with U.S. troops.

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Gold was discovered in Colorado, which led to increased pressure on Native American lands.

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Geronimo was the leader of the Sioux tribe during the late 1800s.

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The Battle of Little Bighorn was a significant victory for U.S. troops.

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The Long Walk involved the forced relocation of the Navajo people.

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Sarah Winnemucca was a prominent leader in the Sioux community.

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The Dawes General Allotment Act of 1887 aimed to promote communal land ownership among Native Americans.

False Signup and view all the answers

The National Grange was established to advocate for the rights and interests of farmers.

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Exodusters were primarily southern African Americans who migrated to the West.

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The Morrill Act was designed to provide federal land for the establishment of colleges focused on agriculture and engineering.

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Farmers on the Great Plains were nicknamed sodbusters because they cultivated tough turf.

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The Great Plains became known as the breadbasket of the world for its fruit production.

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Women played a significant role in settling the frontier and forming communities.

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The National Grange was primarily focused on farming and education.

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The Populist Party emerged as a result of farmers’ dissatisfaction with agricultural prices and political representation.

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By 1890, the frontier was characterized by vast areas of unclaimed land.

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The Oklahoma land rush saw settlers claiming over 11 million acres of land previously belonging to Native Americans.

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Congress effectively enforced the regulations of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887.

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What challenges did traders face on the original Native American trading route?

Traders faced a difficult journey due to the hot desert and rough mountains. Signup and view all the answers

How did the establishment of the Mormon Trail reflect the movement of religious groups in the West?

The Mormon Trail was established by Mormons led by Brigham Young as they moved to Utah for religious freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What economic impact did the mining boom have on the growth of boomtowns?

The mining boom attracted miners from all over the world, leading to rapid growth and often swift decline of boomtowns. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the decline of the Cattle Kingdom?

Competition, the invention of barbed wire, and the loss of prairie grass led to the decline of the Cattle Kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the transcontinental railroad play in the economic development of the West?

The transcontinental railroad facilitated the shipping of western goods to eastern markets, boosting economic growth. Signup and view all the answers

Why was mining considered a dangerous occupation in the West?

Mining was dangerous due to unsafe equipment and risks of cave-ins, explosions, and fires. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Pony Express fulfill the communication needs of the time before the telegraph?

The Pony Express carried messages across a 2,000-mile route, ensuring timely communication across the country. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Comstock Lode in Nevada?

The Comstock Lode was significant as it led to a large influx of miners and contributed to the mining boom in the West. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Lewis and Clark expedition in the context of westward expansion?

The expedition provided vital information about the geography, resources, and Native American tribes of the West, facilitating further American exploration and settlement. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Louisiana Purchase contribute to the concept of manifest destiny?

The Louisiana Purchase effectively doubled the size of the United States, reinforcing the belief that the nation was destined to expand from coast to coast. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did settlers face while traveling the Oregon Trail?

Settlers encountered food shortages, harsh weather conditions, and difficult terrain, including mountains and rivers, that made the journey perilous. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Sacagawea and what role did she play during the Lewis and Clark expedition?

Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who served as a guide and interpreter, helping Lewis and Clark communicate with Native American tribes and navigate the terrain. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation for Mormons moving west under Brigham Young's leadership?

Mormons sought a safe haven to practice their religion free from persecution, which led them to settle in Utah. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the Santa Fe Trail in American westward expansion.

The Santa Fe Trail facilitated trade and economic growth by connecting Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico, serving as a vital route for commerce and settlement. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'manifest destiny' signify in relation to U.S. expansionism in the 1800s?

Manifest destiny refers to the belief that it was the U.S. nation's divine right and destiny to expand its territory across North America. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the exploration of the West impact Native American communities?

The exploration led to increased U.S. claims over lands traditionally occupied by Native Americans, resulting in displacement and significant cultural disruption. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the surrender of the Navajo people in the 1860s?

The Navajo surrendered due to raids on their fields, homes, and livestock, leading to a lack of food and shelter. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Little Bighorn?

The Battle of Little Bighorn was significant as it marked the last major victory for the Sioux forces. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Dawes General Allotment Act affect Native American land ownership?

The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans by promoting private land ownership, resulting in the loss of about two-thirds of their land. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Homestead Act of 1862?

The Homestead Act aimed to encourage westward expansion by granting government land to farmers who would cultivate it. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Exodusters, and why did they migrate West?

Exodusters were southern African Americans who migrated West to escape racial oppression and seek better opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Sarah Winnemucca in advocating for Native American rights?

Sarah Winnemucca was a Paiute leader who lectured on the problems of the reservation system and called for reform. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Ghost Dance movement and its significance.

The Ghost Dance movement predicted a paradise for Native Americans and was a spiritual response to oppression. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Morrill Act on education and agriculture?

The Morrill Act of 1862 provided federal land to states to fund colleges focused on agriculture and engineering. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Irish and Chinese immigrants play in the construction of the transcontinental railroad?

They worked in large numbers on the railroads, contributing significantly to its construction. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main outcome of the meeting of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads on May 10, 1869?

The two railroads joined their tracks at Promontory, Utah, symbolizing the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Signup and view all the answers

How did the standard time system established by railroad companies affect the United States?

It organized the country into four separate time zones, improving scheduling and coordination for rail travel. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the discovery of gold in Colorado have on Native American lands?

It led to increased pressure on Native American lands, resulting in new treaties and forced relocation to reservations. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Treaty of Medicine Lodge entail for most southern Plains Indians?

Most agreed to live on reservations as a result of the treaty negotiated in 1867. Signup and view all the answers

Why did conflicts arise between settlers and Plains Indians during the mid-1800s?

Conflicts arose due to settlers' pressures on Native American lands as they expanded westward in search of resources. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Little Bighorn?

It was a significant victory for Native American forces, showcasing the resistance against U.S. military efforts. Signup and view all the answers

How did railroads impact economic growth in the western United States?

Railroads enhanced transportation for people and goods, encouraging migration and economic development. Signup and view all the answers

What innovative farming technique did Plains farmers adopt to adapt to their environment?

Dry farming was adopted, allowing farmers to grow hardy crops such as red wheat. Signup and view all the answers

How did the establishment of communities help farmers on the Great Plains?

Communities provided support through social institutions like churches and schools, helping to cope with harsh farming life. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant consequence of overproduction for farmers by 1880?

Many farmers lost their farms and became tenant farmers due to lower crop prices caused by overproduction. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the National Grange formed by farmers?

The National Grange aimed to educate and unite farmers while advocating for agricultural interests and fair railroad rates. Signup and view all the answers

What role did women play in the settlement of the frontier?

Women were instrumental in forming communities and supporting social causes, significantly influencing frontier life. Signup and view all the answers

What major political movement was a result of farmers' dissatisfaction in the late 19th century?

The Populist Party emerged to represent farmers' interests, advocating for government ownership of railroads and monetary reforms. Signup and view all the answers

What event in 1889 allowed settlers to claim land that was once part of Indian territory?

The Oklahoma land rush allowed settlers to claim over 11 million acres of land previously owned by Native Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What legislative act was passed in response to the calls from the Grange to regulate railroad rates?

The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was passed to establish national regulations for trade. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

American Settlers Move West

By the 1800s, thousands of Americans had settled between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River
Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio were admitted as states
Settlers relied on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to transport goods eastward
The US was concerned about potential foreign control of New Orleans, which would disrupt river access

Louisiana and Western Explorers

Napoleon wanted to rebuild French power in North America and needed funds for war with England
Jefferson sent an ambassador to France to buy New Orleans
France offered to sell all of Louisiana for $15 million
The US doubled in size with the purchase
Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the Louisiana Purchase
The expedition began near St. Louis, Missouri, in May 1804
The group reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805
Lewis and Clark used interpreters to communicate with Native American leaders
They informed Native Americans that the US now owned their land
Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, served as a guide and interpreter for the expedition
Manifest destiny, the idea of US expansion from coast to coast, became reality

Mountain Men Go West

Daniel Boone was a frontier guide who created the Wilderness Road through the Appalachian Mountains
Fur traders and trappers were among the first Americans to explore the West

Settling the West

Many settlers traveled westward on the Oregon Trail
The trail stretched 2,000 miles from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon
The journey was challenging, marked by food shortages, harsh weather, and difficult terrain
The Santa Fe Trail provided another route westward
It connected Independence, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico
The trail originally served as a Native American trading route
Traders used the route to exchange American goods for Mexican goods, often generating significant profits
The journey was difficult due to hot deserts and rugged mountains
The Mormons, a religious group, established their own westward trail
Brigham Young became the leader of the Mormons and directed the group to Utah
Thousands of Mormons traveled on the Mormon Trail to Utah; by 1860, there were approximately 40,000 Mormons in Utah

Mining Boom Brings Growth

The American frontier reached the Pacific Ocean with California’s admission to the Union in 1850
Settlers built homes, ranches, and farms in westward territories
Railroads expanded westward to connect western goods with eastern markets
Mining companies transported gold and silver eastward from western mines
Mining became a major industry with the discovery of vast deposits of precious metals, like the Comstock Lode in Nevada
Miners from around the world flocked to western mines
Boomtowns developed quickly when mines opened and often vanished once mines closed
Mining was a dangerous occupation due to unsafe equipment, hazardous air quality, and risks of explosions, cave-ins, and fires

The Cattle Kingdom

Growing demand for beef spurred the expansion of the cattle industry
Cattle ranchers in Texas drove herds to Abilene, Kansas, for shipment eastward
Cattle ranching spread across the Great Plains, forming the Cattle Kingdom stretching from Texas to Canada
Ranchers grazed large herds on public land known as the open range
Competition, the invention of barbed wire, and the depletion of prairie grass ultimately brought an end to the Cattle Kingdom

The Transcontinental Railroad

The growth of the West created a need for communication across the country
The Pony Express transported messages along a 2,000-mile route
Telegraph lines replaced the Pony Express
Demand arose for a transcontinental railroad
Congress passed the Pacific Railway Acts of 1862 and 1864, providing loans and land grants to railroad companies
Railroads agreed to transport mail and troops at discounted rates
In a race to complete a transcontinental railroad, the Central Pacific started in Sacramento, California, and worked eastward while the Union Pacific started in Omaha, Nebraska, and worked westward
Large numbers of Irish and Chinese immigrants worked on the railroads
Geography and weather posed significant challenges during railroad construction
On May 10, 1869, the railroad lines met at Promontory, Utah, joining the two tracks with a golden spike
Companies continued developing railroads throughout the West
The railroad system facilitated economic growth and population expansion in the West
Railroads provided improved transportation for people and goods, encouraging westward migration
The standard time system, established by railroad companies, divided the country into four separate time zones
Railroads became one of the country’s largest industries

Settlers Encounter the Plains Native Americans

As settlers began crossing the Great Plains in the mid-1800s, they pressured the federal government for greater access to western lands
Conflicts intensified with Plains Indians as the number of miners and settlers increased

Struggle to Keep the Land

The Treaty of Fort Laramie recognized Native American claims to the Great Plains
The treaty permitted the US to build forts and travel across Native American territories
The US government negotiated new treaties after the discovery of gold in Colorado, forcing Native Americans onto reservations, designated areas of federal land
The movement of pioneers and miners across the Great Plains and Native American hunting grounds led to conflicts with the Sioux, led by Crazy Horse
Most southern Plains Indians agreed to relocate to reservations under the 1867 Treaty of Medicine Lodge, but the Comanche continued fighting until 1875
When Native Americans resisted confinement on reservations, US troops enforced relocation
These troops included African American cavalry known as buffalo soldiers
Most Native Americans had ceased fighting by the 1880s, except the Apache, led by Geronimo, who fought until 1886

Northern Plains

Battles with the Sioux occurred throughout the 1800s
In 1876, George Armstrong Custer’s troops were defeated by Sioux forces led by Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull at the Battle of Little BigHorn, representing the Sioux’s last major victory
US troops killed approximately 150 Sioux at the Massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890

Southwest

The Navajo refused to settle on reservations
US troops raided Navajo fields, homes, and livestock
Due to food and shelter shortages, the Navajo surrendered
The Navajo were forced on a 300-mile journey, known as the Long Walk, to a reservation, resulting in numerous deaths

Far West

Initially, the US pledged to allow the Nez Percé to retain their Oregon land
The government later demanded the land
A group of Nez Percé led by Chief Joseph resisted
US troops compelled the Nez Percé to a reservation in what is now Oklahoma

A Way of Life Ends

The Ghost Dance movement predicted the arrival of paradise for Native Americans
The movement gradually dissipated after the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890
Sarah Winnemucca, a Paiute, spoke out against the challenges of the reservation system and advocated for reform in the 1870s
The Dawes General Allotment Act of 1887 aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by promoting private land ownership
The act ultimately resulted in the seizure of approximately two-thirds of Native American land

New Lives on the Plains

Two significant land grant acts facilitated westward settlement in 1862
The Homestead Act provided government land to farmers
The Morrill Act granted federal land to states for the sale of funds to establish agricultural and engineering colleges
Settlers in the West included women, immigrants, and African Americans
Thousands of southern African Americans, known as Exodusters, moved to Kansas and other western territories

Farming

Breaking up the tough turf on the Plains earned farmers the nickname sodbusters
New inventions helped Plains farmers address challenges of frontier life
Farmers embraced dry farming, cultivating hardy crops like red wheat
Crops were transported eastward by train and then overseas, leading to the Great Plains being dubbed the breadbasket of the world

Building Communities

Women played a crucial role in frontier settlement
Annie Bidwell, a founder of Chico, California, supported numerous social causes
The harsh conditions of remote farms led farmers to form communities, establishing churches and schools
Children assisted with many farm chores

Farmers’ Political Groups

Increased farms and productivity led to overproduction and lower prices
Many farmers lost their farms and homes and became tenant farmers
By 1880, one-fourth of all farms were rented by tenants
Farmers established associations to safeguard their interests
The National Grange served as a social and educational organization for farmers
The Grange advocated for laws to regulate railroad rates
Congress enacted the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887 to provide national trade regulations but lacked enforcement power
The Farmers’ Alliances formed the Populist Party to gain political influence and representation
The Populist Party supported government ownership of railroads and communication systems, free silver, and labor regulations
The Populist Party endorsed William Jennings Bryan in the 1896 election, but his defeat marked the end of the Farmers’ Alliances and the Populist Party

End of the Frontier

Only small portions of the Great Plains remained unsettled by 1870
US officials allowed homesteaders to settle the Indian territory in what is now Oklahoma in 1889
Settlers claimed over 11 million acres of former Indian land during the Oklahoma land rush
The frontier ceased to exist in the United States by the early 1890s

Westward Expansion

Louisiana Purchase: The French sold Louisiana to the United States for $15 million in 1803, nearly doubling the size of the nation.
Lewis and Clark Expedition: (1804-1806) Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, this expedition explored the Louisiana Purchase, reaching the Pacific Ocean. Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, served as a guide and interpreter.
Manifest Destiny: The belief that the United States was destined to expand across North America, from coast to coast.
Oregon Trail: A 2,000-mile trail that stretched from Independence, Missouri to Oregon, attracting settlers seeking rich resources and a milder climate.
Santa Fe Trail: A route from Independence, Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico, originally used by Native Americans for trade, and later by American traders for high-profit exchanges.
Mormons: A religious group led by Brigham Young that settled in Utah after a long westward journey on the Mormon Trail.

Boom Times in the West

Mining Boom: The discovery of precious metals like gold in California (1849) and the Comstock Lode in Nevada (1859) brought a wave of miners and spurred the growth of boomtowns.
The Cattle Kingdom: The rapid expansion of the cattle industry created a vast cattle ranching territory stretching from Texas to Canada, fueled by the demand for beef.
Transcontinental Railroad: Completed in 1869, the transcontinental railroad connected the East Coast to the West Coast, significantly improving communication and transportation, and driving economic growth and population in the West.
Pony Express: A short-lived mail delivery service that utilized a network of riders to deliver mail across the Great Plains before the completion of the transcontinental railroad.

Wars for the West

Treaty of Fort Laramie: (1851) This treaty recognized Native American claims to the Great Plains, but allowed the United States to build forts and travel across the lands.
Crazy Horse: A renowned leader of the Sioux tribe during the conflicts with the U.S. government over land rights in the West.
Treaty of Medicine Lodge: (1867) This treaty aimed to relocate most southern plains Indians to reservations, but the Comanche resisted until 1875.
Buffalo Soldiers: African American cavalrymen employed by the U.S. army to enforce reservation policies and suppress resistance by Native Americans.
Battle of Little Bighorn: (1876) A major victory for the Sioux forces led by Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, where they defeated General George Armstrong Custer's U.S. troops.
Massacre at Wounded Knee: (1890) U.S. troops killed approximately 150 Sioux in this tragic event, marking the end of major Native American resistance.
Long Walk: The forced displacement of the Navajo from their homes to a reservation in 1864, resulting in many deaths from starvation and illness due to the harsh conditions.
Chief Joseph: A Nez Perce leader who led the fight against U.S. government attempts to take their land, culminating in his surrender and forced relocation to Oklahoma.
Geronimo: Apache leader who continued to fight against the U.S. government until his final surrender in 1886.
Ghost Dance Movement: A religious revival among Native Americans in the late 19th century, predicting the return of buffalo and the disappearance of white settlers, but it was suppressed by the U.S. government.
Sarah Winnemucca: A Paiute woman who advocated for Native American rights and criticized the reservation system in the 1870s.
Dawes General Allotment Act: (1887) This act aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by dividing communal Native American lands into individual plots for farming, but it ultimately resulted in taking approximately two-thirds of their land.

Farming and Populism

Homestead Act: (1862) This act granted 160 acres of land to settlers who resided on the land for five years and made improvements.
Morrill Act: (1862) This act provided land grants to states for founding colleges focused on agriculture and mechanical arts.
Exodusters: Thousands of southern African Americans who migrated to Kansas and other western territories seeking a better life during the Reconstruction era.
Sodbusters: Farmers who broke the tough sod of the Great Plains, using specialized equipment to create farmland.
Dry Farming: A method of farming adapted to arid regions by using specific techniques to conserve water and grow hardy crops like red wheat.
Annie Bidwell: A prominent woman who helped found Chico, California, and was a strong advocate for various social causes.
National Grange: An organization founded in 1867 to support farmers' interests, promoting social and educational opportunities, and advocating for laws to regulate railroad freight rates.
Deflation: A period of decreasing prices, which hurt farmers during the late 19th century because they received less money for their crops.
William Jennings Bryan: A populist candidate who ran for president in 1896, advocating for government regulation of railroads and communication systems, free silver, and labor reforms.
Populist Party: A political party that emerged in the 1890s to represent the grievances of farmers, advocating for policies like government ownership of railroads and free silver.
Oklahoma Land Rush: (1889) Government officials opened the Indian Territory in Oklahoma to settlers, resulting in a massive influx of people claiming land within a short time.
The Closing of the Frontier: By the early 1890s, the westward expansion had reached its peak, leading to the official end of the "frontier" in the United States.

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Explore the westward movement of American settlers in the 1800s and the impact of the Louisiana Purchase. Discover how the acquisition of new territories and the Lewis and Clark expedition shaped America’s expansion. Test your knowledge of key events and figures involved in this pivotal period of history.