Chapter 16: Conflicts in the West (1865-1912)

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary reason Chief Joseph led a retreat with the Nez Perce?

To confront American soldiers directly

To preserve their culture and avoid war (correct)

To seek refuge in Canada

To negotiate peace with the U.S. government

What was the outcome of the Great Sioux War in 1876?

The Sioux were forced into reservations (correct)

Custer became a celebrated hero

The resistance of the Sioux lasted for years

The Sioux successfully negotiated peace

In what year did the Sioux agree to settle at the Black Hills reservation?

1876

1874

1867 (correct)

1865

What action did Gold miners take despite agreements made with the Sioux?

Invaded Sioux hunting grounds Signup and view all the answers

What did Chief Joseph express in his surrender statement?

His exhaustion from constant conflict Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Ghost Dance among the Sioux?

To invoke the arrival of a Messiah Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the end of the so-called 'Indian Wars'?

The bloodbath at Wounded Knee Signup and view all the answers

How did the Homestead Act encourage westward expansion?

By offering free land to settlers Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the impact of the transcontinental railroad?

It increased trade, migration, and communication speed. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant consequence of the Dawes Act?

Termination of tribal land ownership Signup and view all the answers

Why did the climate and landscape of the Great Plains initially discourage settlement?

It was thought to be too arid for agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

What facilitated the transportation of cattle during the 'Cowboy Era'?

Railroads Signup and view all the answers

What significant social change occurred during the settlement of the West?

Increase of women’s rights, such as voting Signup and view all the answers

What led to the creation of numerous ghost towns in the West?

Mineral reserves being exhausted Signup and view all the answers

What did the phrase 'many of our Indian wars have had their origin in broken promises' imply about U.S. policies?

U.S. policies were often deceitful and unjust. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conflicts in the West (1865-1912)

Native American tribes (Kiowa, Comanche, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Nez Perce) controlled vast territories in the Great Plains and Southwest.
1867: Forced relocation of Native tribes to Oklahoma after a conference at Medicine Creek Lodge.
Nez Perce Chief Joseph attempted to preserve their culture, but a conflict with American soldiers led a 1,500-mile retreat; they were caught and exiled to Oklahoma.
Chief Joseph famously stated, "I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. The old men are all dead. I want to have time to look for my children, and see how many of them I can find. Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever".
1868: Sioux agreed to a reservation in the Black Hills of Dakota Territory.
1874: Colonel Custer led gold prospectors into the Black Hills, violating Sioux hunting grounds.
1876: Custer’s forces were annihilated at the Battle of Little Bighorn by Sioux warriors. A later U.S. Army attack forced the Sioux onto reservations.
Sioux, hoping to avoid conflict, began the Ghost Dance movement, spreading rapidly and alarming white authorities.
1890: The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred, a tragic event where many Sioux were killed during a perceived surrender. This event effectively ended the "Indian Wars".
The United States government adopted policies to assimilate Native Americans by forcing relocation to reservations.

Impact of Westward Expansion

Post-Civil War westward expansion fueled the American Dream.
Homestead Act: Offered 160 acres of free land to settlers.
Reservations were established to house Native Americans; this was economically beneficial to the U.S.
Dawes Act: Ended tribal ownership of reservations; Native Americans and settlers gained individual land.
Increased migration to the West led to economic gains for the U.S.

The Transcontinental Railroad and its Impact

The need for a transcontinental railroad emerged from westward expansion.
1869: Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads connected, creating the first transcontinental railroad.
Chinese and Irish immigrants significantly aided in construction.
By 1890, four transcontinental railroads existed.
This had major economic and social implications: easier trade, migration, decreased prices/wait times (e.g., NY to CA travel shortened to 10 days).
Standard time zones emerged to ensure consistent train schedules.

Transformation of the West

The westward settlement had both positive and negative impacts.
Positive aspects included economic opportunities and personal freedoms.
Negative aspects included exploitation of resources, destruction of wildlife, and near-eradication of Native cultures.
The Great Plains was initially perceived as uninhabitable due to its aridity; however, discoveries of gold, silver, and transcontinental railroads changed this.
Settlers confronted different climate and landscapes.
The rise of the cattle industry and dry farming/irrigation.

Cattle Industry and Farming

The Great Plains provided ideal grazing land for cattle.
Refrigerated trains facilitated nationwide beef transportation, driving the cattle industry.
Cattle trails linked Texas ranches to Northern railroads.
Barbed wire enabled containment of cattle.
The "Cowboy Era" flourished between the Civil War and 1900, with associated icons and legends.
Farmers turned the Great Plains into an economic force due to land, soil, water, and railroads.
Gold, silver, copper, and lead mining spurred development in the West.
New towns emerged, then became ghost towns as resources were depleted.

Statehood and Legends

Territories sought statehood as populations grew.
Westward expansion spurred iconic figures: e.g., Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.
Statehood, while sometimes contested, reflected the nation's growing footprint.

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Description

Explore the significant conflicts faced by Native American tribes in the West between 1865 and 1912. This quiz covers events such as forced relocations, cultural preservation efforts, and pivotal battles like the Battle of Little Bighorn. Test your understanding of this critical period in American history and the struggles of the Kiowa, Comanche, Sioux, and others.