Questions and Answers
The Homestead Act granted official title to 160 acre plots of land after how many years of settlement?
Five years
What economic opportunity drew the most migrants to the West?
Access to land for agriculture
The Dakota Uprising of 1862 began with what event?
The death of five white settlers at the hands of four young Santee men
How did President Lincoln respond to the Sioux Uprising?
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What did the United States demand from the Comanche leading to the Red River War?
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How was the transcontinental railroad funded?
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What was the purpose of Western cattle drives?
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Most practices and objects associated with American cowboys were modified from ______ ranchers.
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Which city served as the most important railroad hub, connecting the East and the West?
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Which group received more land from the government?
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What was the purpose of the Dawes General Allotment Act?
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The Paiute prophet Wovoka promised that which of the following would occur if Indians obeyed his instructions and participated in the ceremony that came to be called the Ghost Dance?
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Approximately what percent of early rodeo contestants were women?
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What explains the popularity of Wild West shows?
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What was Frederick Jackson Turner's 'Frontier Thesis'?
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Study Notes
Homestead Act and Settlement
- The Homestead Act allowed individuals to acquire 160 acres of land after five years of settlement.
- Access to land for agriculture was the primary economic opportunity that attracted migrants to the West.
Dakota Uprising and Lincoln's Response
- The Dakota Uprising of 1862 ignited due to the death of five white settlers by Santee men.
- President Lincoln sought to maintain peace by commuting the sentences of captured Sioux Indians during the uprising.
Comanche and the Red River War
- The U.S. government demanded that the Comanche settle on designated reservations, contributing to the outbreak of the Red River War.
Transcontinental Railroad
- The construction of the transcontinental railroad was financed through federal government grants and loans.
- Chicago emerged as the crucial railroad hub, linking the Eastern and Western United States.
Cattle Drives and Cowboy Culture
- Western cattle drives aimed to transport cattle to eastern markets, primarily utilizing railroad connections.
- Many cowboy practices and cultural elements were adapted from Mexican ranchers.
Land Distribution and Native American Policies
- Railroad companies received a greater amount of land from the government compared to other groups.
- The Dawes General Allotment Act aimed to divide large Native American reservations into individual family homesteads.
Cultural Movements and Events
- Wovoka, the Paiute prophet, promised transformative outcomes for Native Americans if they participated in the Ghost Dance ceremony.
- Roughly 10% of early rodeo contestants were women, highlighting female participation in this aspect of Western culture.
- The popularity of Wild West shows was driven by various factors, contributing to their widespread appeal.
Frontier Thesis
- Frederick Jackson Turner's "Frontier Thesis" proposed that American culture was shaped by the conflict between civilized settlers and savage frontier life, instilling a spirit of democracy and hard work.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapter 17 of the American Yawp. This quiz includes important events and facts about westward expansion, the Homestead Act, and the Dakota Uprising. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of American history.
