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

Study Notes

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.

Description

Test your knowledge of key figures in Chapter 17 of AP U.S. History. This quiz features important individuals like John Muir and John Wesley Powell, who played significant roles in environmental conservation and exploration of the American West. Get ready to enhance your understanding of U.S. history with these flashcards.