American Yawp Chapter 17 Flashcards

The Homestead Act authorized the distribution of 160 acres of land for settlement in the West, encouraging westward migration and agricultural expansion.

The Dakota Uprising of 1862 was triggered by the death of white settlers at the hands of Santee men, leading to conflict and tensions between settlers and Native Americans.

The Comanche were pressured by the U.S. government to relocate to reservations, sparking the Red River War as a response to forced relocation and land disputes.

Construction of the Transcontinental Railroad was facilitated through federal grants and loans, connecting the East and West with Chicago becoming a key railroad hub.

Cattle drives involved transporting cattle across the West to eastern markets, utilizing railroads for distribution and shaping the iconic cowboy culture.

The Dawes General Allotment Act aimed to divide Native American reservations into smaller individual plots, a policy that had a significant impact on Native American land ownership and culture.

Railroad companies received vast land grants, exceeding the amount allocated to other groups, highlighting the political and economic influence of railroads during Western expansion.

The Ghost Dance, a spiritual ceremony led by Wovoka, aimed to restore Native American lands and traditional ways, a movement met with suppression by the U.S. government.

Women's participation in rodeo competitions was evident, with around 10% of early contestants being female, showcasing a degree of gender equality in Western culture.

Wild West shows, featuring cowboys, Native Americans, and dramatic action, gained widespread popularity due to romanticized depictions of frontier life and entertainment value.

Frederick Jackson Turner argued that the frontier experience shaped American culture, promoting democracy, individualism, and hard work through the conflict between civilization and frontier life.

The Homestead Act, enacted in 1862, aimed to incentivize Western expansion by providing 160 acres of land to those who could cultivate and settle the land for five years. This policy played a major role in attracting settlers to the West and shaping the American landscape over time.

The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in the mid-19th century dramatically altered the transportation landscape, making it easier and faster to move goods and people across the country. The creation of the railroad also fueled westward development and settlement.

The conflict between Native American tribes and U.S. government policies led to a series of wars and conflicts during western expansion. Many Native American tribes were forced to leave their homelands and relocate to reservations, disrupting their traditional ways of life.

The cattle drives of the late 19th century transformed the cattle industry, moving vast herds across the West to slaughterhouses and market centers. This process helped to define the cowboy culture and played a significant role in the development of the American West.