History Chapter 19 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How was the Transcontinental Railroad funded?

The railroad was funded by the Big Four Sacramento Merchants, private investors, and the US Government.

Who built the Transcontinental Railroad?

The Union Pacific officers hired mostly Irish immigrants and freed African American slaves, while the Central Pacific officers hired mostly Chinese immigrants.

Where did the Transcontinental Railroad run?

It connected the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Why was the Transcontinental Railroad important?

It had dramatic economic, cultural, and political significance. Signup and view all the answers

Who lived on the Great Plains?

Miners, ranchers, and farmers settled on the Great Plains, competing for land with Native Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What were major conflicts with the Native Americans?

Conflicts included the Sioux uprising in Minnesota, tensions in Colorado Territory, attacks on forts by Sioux, and the Wounded Knee Massacre. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the conflicts with the Native Americans happening?

Many conflicts arose over land, cultural differences, and the imposition of reservations on Native Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What side would I take? (Native American Version)

The Native Americans were on the land first and were forced onto reservations. Signup and view all the answers

What were the miners on the Great Plains doing there?

Miners paid $20 a day as they mined for the world's richest silver. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Oklahoma Land Rush?

The Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 was the first rush into the Unassigned Lands. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Homestead Act?

The Homestead Act of 1862 granted up to 160 acres of land to families who paid a $10 filing fee and lived on the land for five years. Signup and view all the answers

What were the farmers on the Great Plains doing?

Farmers on the Great Plains faced economic hardships due to an oversupply of crops. Signup and view all the answers

What were ranchers on the Great Plains doing?

Texas ranchers had cattle but faced low profits; they aimed to sell their cattle in northern markets for higher prices. Signup and view all the answers

What political party emerged within the farmers?

The People's Party of the U.S.A., also known as the Populist Party. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Transcontinental Railroad Funding and Construction

Funded by the Big Four Sacramento Merchants, private investors, and the U.S. Government.
Government provided land; private industry constructed tracks.
Built by Union Pacific (hired mostly Irish and African American workers) and Central Pacific (hired primarily Chinese workers).

Route of the Transcontinental Railroad

Connected Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Central Pacific worked east from Sacramento, while Union Pacific started in Omaha, Nebraska, working westward.

Importance of the Transcontinental Railroad

Had significant economic, cultural, and political impact on the U.S.
Enabled rapid transportation, facilitating new markets for goods.

Population on the Great Plains

Mid-1800s settlers included miners, ranchers, and farmers.
Settlers competed for resources with Native Americans, leading to conflicts.

Major Conflicts with Native Americans

Sioux uprising in Minnesota, 1862, resulted in violence and forced removals to reservations.
Colorado Territory tensions arose from miners displacing Native tribes.
Fetterman Massacre (1866) saw Sioux attacks on U.S. forts along the Bozeman Trail.
Nez Perce conflict in 1877 led to Chief Joseph's retreat toward Canada.
Battle of Little Bighorn (1876) involved Custer's last stand against a large Native force.
Wounded Knee massacre in 1890 marked the end of armed resistance by Native Americans.

Causes of Conflicts with Native Americans

Disputes over land ownership, cultural differences, and forced relocations to reservations.

Perspective of Native Americans

Native Americans were the original inhabitants of the land.
Experienced forcible relocation and violence initiated by settlers.
Leaders and cultures significantly disrupted.

Mining Activities on the Great Plains

Miners earned $20 per day exploring states for silver, contributing to significant economic activity.

Oklahoma Land Rush

Happened in 1889, opened up Unassigned Lands for settlement.
Covered portions of present-day Oklahoma counties.

Homestead Act

Enacted in 1862, the Act encouraged settlement on the Great Plains.
Offered up to 160 acres to heads of families for a $10 fee after five years of residency.

Farmers' Conditions on the Great Plains

Late 1800s brought economic hardships due to overproduction and declining crop prices.
Wheat prices dropped significantly from $1.45 in 1866 to 49 cents in the mid-1890s.
Farmers faced high shipping charges and loan interest, leading to organized support efforts.

Ranchers' Challenges on the Great Plains

Texas ranchers faced low cattle prices despite high demand in Northern and Eastern markets.
Cattle sold for $3-$4 in Texas but could fetch $40 in cities.
Cowhands dealt with dangerous conditions, including storms and cattle stampedes.

Emergence of the Farmers' Political Movement

Farmers' Alliance evolved into the People's Party (Populist Party) in 1890.
Advocated for government ownership of railroads and telegraph lines.
Supported reforms such as limiting presidential terms and direct senatorial elections.
Had initial electoral success in 1894 but struggled with funding and organization for 1896 presidential race.

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Test your knowledge on the key concepts of Chapter 19 in History. This quiz covers important aspects of the Transcontinental Railroad, including its funding and construction. Ideal for students looking to reinforce their understanding of historical events and figures.