AP U.S. History - Chapter 17 ID's

Key Figures and Events in U.S. History

John Muir
- Environmentalist who significantly raised awareness about conservation.
- Instrumental in the establishment of Yosemite National Park.
- Served as president of the Sierra Club, focusing on conservation efforts.
John Wesley Powell
- Renowned U.S. soldier, geologist, and explorer of the American West.
- Notable for the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition, marking the first navigation of the Grand Canyon via the Green and Colorado rivers.
Carlisle Indian School
- Aimed to forcibly assimilate Native American children into American culture through education.
- Located in Pennsylvania, operated under the motto "Kill the Indian and save the man."
- Ultimately deemed a failure in integrating Native Americans into mainstream society.
The Dawes Severalty Act (1887)
- Legislative act aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American culture.
- Abolished tribal land ownership in favor of individual 160-acre homesteads.
- Resulted in significant land loss for Native tribes without achieving successful integration.
Ghost Dance
- A spiritual revival movement among Native Americans seeking connection with deceased ancestors.
- Led to significant tensions and the tragic Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890.
The Pacific Railroad Act of 1862
- Facilitated the construction of railroads across the United States.
- Enabled railroads to acquire vast amounts of public land, making them major landowners in the Western territories.
Homestead Act (1862)
- Provided 160 acres of public land to settlers committed to farming it for a minimum of five years.
- Required only a modest registration fee of $10, encouraging westward expansion.
Comstock Lode
- Discovered in 1858 by Henry Comstock, this silver deposit led to significant migration and settlement in Nevada.
- Regarded as one of the richest silver mines, impacting the economy of the West.
Frederick Jackson Turner and the "Frontier Thesis"
- Authored "The Significance of the Frontier in American History" in 1893.
- Argued that American expansion into the frontier fostered individualism, nationalism, and democratic values.
Wounded Knee Massacre (1890)
- Site of a tragic confrontation where the 7th Cavalry killed around 300 Sioux, following the death of Sitting Bull.
- Only one infant survivor from this catastrophic event.
Interstate Commerce Act
- Enacted to regulate the railroad industry, prohibiting unfair practices such as rebates and discriminatory pricing.
- Mandated the publishing of rates and aimed to ensure fair competition.
William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill)
- An iconic American frontiersman and showman known for his "Wild West Show."
- Featured performances included sharpshooting by Annie Oakley and reenactments of conflicts between Native Americans and military forces.
Oklahoma "Sooners"
- Term for settlers who rushed into Oklahoma territory to claim land before it officially opened.
- Many faced eviction by federal troops for their illegal early claims on land.
Helen Hunt Jackson
- Author of "A Century of Dishonor," detailing U.S. government injustices against Native Americans.
- Wrote "Ramona," a novel that highlighted the struggles of Native Americans and fostered public sympathy for their plight.
Barrios
- Residential areas where many Mexican and Mexican Americans lived, predominantly in Los Angeles.
- Represented the lower socioeconomic class in California, reflecting the challenges faced by these communities.