Mining and Railroads in the American West
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Questions and Answers

Which event significantly contributed to population growth in the West during the mid-1800s?

  • The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad
  • The establishment of ghost towns
  • The Homestead Act
  • The California Gold Rush (correct)

    • The Comstock Lode was primarily a gold mine.

    False

    What was built by miners near major mining sites before permanent towns developed?

    Tent cities

    The two companies that raced to construct the Transcontinental Railroad were the Union Pacific and the ________ Pacific.

    <p>Central</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What limited the success of individual prospectors in mining?

    <p>Most gold and silver were too deep for their tools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their corresponding descriptions:

    <p>Boomtowns = Rapidly growing towns that emerged near mining areas Ghost towns = Abandoned towns after resource depletion Transcontinental Railroad = Railroad connecting the east and west of the U.S. Promontory, Utah = Meeting point of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The first railroads in the West were built mainly for transporting heavy loads over long distances.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads meet to complete the Transcontinental Railroad?

    <p>1869</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the US government promise to Native Americans in return for keeping to limited areas?

    <p>Money, domestic animals, and farm tools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Sand Creek Massacre resulted in the deaths of more than 150 Native Americans.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the commanding officer during the Sand Creek Massacre?

    <p>The name of the commanding officer is not specifically mentioned in the content.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Native Americans like the Sioux relied on the ______ for their daily needs.

    <p>Bison</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the Native American leaders with their tribes:

    <p>Chief Joseph = Nez Perce Geronimo = Apache Sitting Bull = Lakota Crazy Horse = Sioux</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event happened in 1876 related to the Lakota?

    <p>The Battle of Little Big Horn</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The federal government encouraged Native American children to practice their own culture at boarding schools.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were Plains Native Americans primarily known for during their traditional way of life?

    <p>Hunting Bison</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The movement to alter Native American traditions involved a process known as ______ assimilation.

    <p>forced</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treaty is associated with the promises made to Native Americans regarding land?

    <p>Treaty of Fort Laramie</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The discovery of gold in Pikes Peak prompted the Arapaho and Cheyenne to attack white settlers.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Chief Joseph do in response to government orders?

    <p>He led the Nez Perce to flee north in search of freedom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Geronimo was the leader of the ______ Native Americans.

    <p>Apache</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened after the Battle of Little Big Horn?

    <p>Congress withheld food from the Lakota until they complied with government demands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event marked the end of warfare between the Plains Native Americans and the US Army?

    <p>Tragedy at Wounded Knee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Dawes Act aimed to preserve Native American land and culture.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process did Henry Bessemer invent to reduce the cost of steel production?

    <p>Bessemer Process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sitting Bull was a leader of the ______ tribe.

    <p>Lakota</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following historical figures with their contributions:

    <p>Andrew Carnegie = Monopoly in the steel industry John D. Rockefeller = Control of the oil industry J.P. Morgan = Merged major corporations Henry Bessemer = Invented a steel-making process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of the Ghost Dance among Native Americans?

    <p>A religious ceremony for peace and renewal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Carnegie Steel is an example of horizontal integration.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main economic strategy used by corporations in the late 1800s to raise capital?

    <p>Selling stock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    J.P. Morgan became the head of the ______ Company in 1901.

    <p>US Steel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Vertical Integration = Owning all phases of production Monopoly = Complete control over a market Corporation = Business owned by shareholders Stockholder = Investor who owns shares in a corporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about the Bessemer Process?

    <p>It allowed for faster and cheaper steel production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Rockefeller initially entered the oil industry as a driller.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one major impact of the expansion of railroads in the West?

    <p>Facilitated economic growth and new settlements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Train travel became more comfortable with the introduction of luxury railroad cars by George Pullman.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the government do in response to the Ghost Dance?

    <p>Outlawed the Ghost Dance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were African Americans who moved to Kansas after Reconstruction commonly called?

    <p>Exodusters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the cattle drives primarily used for?

    <p>To transport cattle to railroads for market.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Morrill Acts provided funding exclusively for white students.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____ Act of 1862 promised 160 acres of free land to settlers.

    <p>Homestead</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts related to the impact of railroads:

    <p>Economic Growth = Increased access to goods Competition among RR companies = Price cuts and bankruptcies Cattle Kingdom decline = Fencing by farmers and barbed wire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event occurred on April 22, 1889, in Oklahoma?

    <p>The last major land rush that allowed farmers to claim land.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened during the Panic of 1893?

    <p>The bankruptcies of multiple railroad companies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    African American soldiers from the US Army were known as _____ Soldiers.

    <p>Buffalo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Farmers were generally satisfied with the pricing strategies of railroads.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following groups or terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Farmers Alliance = Sought to unite workers and farmers for better treatment National Grange = Founded to boost farm prices and lower shipping rates Exodusters = African Americans who migrated to the West for better opportunities Populists = Political group advocating for government control of prices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did railroads play in the distribution of agricultural goods?

    <p>They allowed farmers to reach bigger markets and provided consumers with more food choices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What economic challenge did farmers on the Great Plains face after harvesting large amounts of crops?

    <p>Falling crop prices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Businesses along the railroad lines that provided services to cowhands contributed to the development of _____ towns.

    <p>cow</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Grange was politically active in order to support non-farming issues.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Populists advocate for concerning the money supply?

    <p>Free silver to increase the money supply.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did railroads adapt to fierce competition?

    <p>By pooling resources with other companies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Many settlers built homes out of _____ on the Great Plains.

    <p>sod</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Before the development of a national railroad network, passengers often had to switch lines to continue their journey.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following historical figures or groups with their roles:

    <p>William Jennings Bryan = Democratic nominee supporting Populism William McKinley = Republican candidate favoring the gold standard Buffalo Soldiers = African American cavalry units Peoples Party = Political party formed by farmers and labor unions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the typical work conditions for cowhands on cattle drives?

    <p>Hot, dirty, boring, and tiring, often working up to 18 hours a day.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major consequence of the 1896 presidential election?

    <p>The Populist Party dissolved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The introduction of _____ cars improved the dining experience for passengers on trains.

    <p>dining</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following descriptions with the correct terms:

    <p>Longhorns = Wild cattle roaming the plains Cow towns = Towns that developed along RR lines Barbed wire = Fencing used by farmers to protect crops</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The rise of the railroad industry aided farmers by increasing shipping costs.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of railroad companies granting secret rebates?

    <p>Favoritism towards larger customers like Standard Oil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Morrill Land Grant Colleges Act aim to provide?

    <p>Agricultural and mechanical education.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of Pullman's workforce was represented by the American Railway Union (ARU) at the time of the strike?

    <p>35%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Eugene V. Debs was actively involved in the decision-making process that led to the Pullman workers' strike.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did the ARU plan to support the workers during the strike?

    <p>A boycott of Pullman cars.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Pullman Company reopened on August 2nd and agreed to rehire the striking workers on the condition that they sign a pledge never to join a ________.

    <p>union</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following events with their corresponding dates:

    <p>Federal troops were ordered into Chicago = July 3 Federal troops were recalled = July 20 Pullman Company reopened = August 2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one consequence of the Pullman strike that upset President Grover Cleveland?

    <p>Loss of postal services</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The strike resulted in increased support for unions among the public and Congress.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one significant outcome of the Pullman strike in terms of economic impact?

    <p>Loss of millions in revenue for railroads.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the Pullman strike, the ARU members refused to handle Pullman cars or any trains with Pullman cars until the railroads severed their ties with the ________ Company.

    <p>Pullman</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggered the violence among the crowd of strikers during the Pullman strike?

    <p>A speech from Eugene V. Debs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant action did Rockefeller take to avoid Ohio's monopoly law?

    <p>He formed a trust.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT considered an argument against trusts?

    <p>They provided better wages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Haymarket Riot was a peaceful gathering that turned violent without any initial tensions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the goals of the Knights of Labor?

    <p>Shorter work days, an end to child labor, and equal pay for men and women.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A labor union is formed when workers band together to win better __________.

    <p>conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary focus of the American Federation of Labor (AFL)?

    <p>Higher wages, shorter hours, better working conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Child labor was uncommon in the late 1800s.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following individuals or groups with their roles:

    <p>Rockefeller = Chairman of Standard Oil Trust Mother Jones = Opposed child labor Knights of Labor = Labor union founded in 1869 Samuel Gompers = Organized the AFL</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The federal government took a __________ approach to big business during the late 1800s.

    <p>laissez-faire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Haymarket Riot lead to in terms of public perception of labor unions?

    <p>It caused a wave of anti-labor feelings and belief that unions were controlled by anarchists.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significant change in the working relationship between bosses and workers by the late 1800s?

    <p>Workers were easily replaceable and had low bargaining power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Knights of Labor initially accepted all workers regardless of skill.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one major consequence of the police firing during the Haymarket Riot?

    <p>Four workers were killed and public opinion turned against labor unions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much of the oil refining industry did the Standard Oil Trust control?

    <p>95%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main cause suspected for the start of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?

    <p>Discarded cigarette</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The fire escape at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory was wide and easily accessible.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many people perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?

    <p>146</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Triangle Shirtwaist Company occupied the top three floors of the Asch Building, specifically floors ___, ___, and ___.

    <p>8, 9, 10</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following strikes with their key events:

    <p>Triangle Shirtwaist Fire = 146 people perished Homestead Strike = Workers were locked out and attacked by Pinkertons Pullman Strike = Workers protested wage cuts but faced eviction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which safety requirement was instituted after the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?

    <p>Sprinkler systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Federal and state governments typically sided with factory owners during labor disputes.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the manager of Carnegie Steel during the Homestead Strike?

    <p>Henry Frick</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Great RR Strike of 1877 involved railroad workers who protested against ______ cuts.

    <p>pay</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the labor events with their descriptions:

    <p>Triangle Shirtwaist Fire = Labor safety reforms prompted Homestead Strike = Workers faced armed resistance Pullman Strike = Wage cuts without rent adjustments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a direct consequence of the Pullman Strike?

    <p>Interruption of rail traffic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Pinkerton agents were hired to support the strikers during the Homestead Strike.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire occur?

    <p>1911</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the Homestead Strike, Carnegie Steel refused to bargain with the workers and locked them out, leading to the use of _______ for security.

    <p>Pinkerton agents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Mining's Impact on the West

    • Prospectors sought gold and silver, leading to population growth and economic expansion in the West.
    • The California Gold Rush (1849) and the Comstock Lode (Nevada, 1859) spurred immense migration.
    • Boomtowns, like Virginia City (NV), emerged near mining sites but often faded when the minerals ran out.
    • Large mining companies, with advanced machinery to reach deep deposits, eventually dominated the mining industry.

    Railroads & Economic Growth

    • The West needed a transcontinental railroad for efficient transportation of heavy goods.
    • The Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads raced to build the transcontinental line (completed 1869).
    • Many immigrants worked on railroads under dangerous conditions.
    • Major railroad construction connected the West to the East, facilitating economic growth.
    • Standardizing train tracks led to a national railway network.
    • Luxury cars like Pullman cars, and dining cars, improved train travel.

    Railroads & Competition

    • Intense rivalry between railroad companies led to price wars, causing financial losses for many.
    • Secret rebates to large customers, like Standard Oil, fostered unfair competition.
    • Pooling of railroad companies and setting high prices hurt farmers, who depended on railroads to ship goods.
    • Farmers' dissatisfaction often fueled support for the Populist movement, which advocated for government regulation of railroads.

    Railroads & Economic Crisis

    • Overbuilding of railroads contributed to the Panic of 1893.
    • This economic crisis caused widespread business and bank failures, increased unemployment, and impacted other industries that depended on railroads.

    Western Agriculture

    • Cattle ranching boomed on the Great Plains during the 1860s, driven by increased beef demand.
    • "Cow towns" formed along railroad lines, fueled by cattle drives requiring services like food, supplies, and lodging.
    • The open range dwindled as farmers fenced their land, and ranchers faced higher costs—essentially bringing the Cattle Kingdom to an end.

    The Homestead Act

    • The Homestead Act (1862) allowed individuals to acquire land in the West by meeting specific requirements.
    • This further increased westward settlement, particularly among immigrants and Easterners.

    African Americans in the West

    • African Americans moved west after Reconstruction, seeking freedom and opportunity.
    • Exodusters (40,000-70,000 in Kansas) and Buffalo Soldiers contributed significantly to the West's development.

    Oklahoma Land Rush

    • The last major land rush occurred in Oklahoma as remaining free land was claimed.
    • The organized land rush led to widespread settlement and population growth.

    Morrill Land-Grant Acts

    • These acts established publicly funded agricultural and mechanical colleges, training individuals for diverse fields.
    • Subsequent acts extended this support to African Americans as well.

    Economic Hardships for Farmers

    • Despite initial success, farmers struggled due to fluctuating crop prices and high shipping costs.
    • The Grange and the Farmers' Alliance emerged as organizations to address these issues and promote farmer cooperation.
    • The Populist Movement (People's Party), advocating for greater government intervention and expanded money supply, gained traction.

    Populism and the 1896 Election

    • Populism sought government regulation, an income tax, an 8-hour workday, and free silver to boost the economy.
    • Proponents were opposed by eastern bankers and factory owners who favored the gold standard, leading to the 1896 election.
    • William McKinley (gold standard) narrowly defeated William Jennings Bryan (supporting free silver), furthering the decline of Populist power.

    Hardships faced by Native Americans

    • Native American groups underwent a dramatic shift in their traditional way of life as settlers encroached on their lands.

    • Promises made to Native American groups regarding land and resources were repeatedly broken.

    • Conflict between settlers and Native Americans erupted in numerous instances.

    • The destruction of bison herds seriously impacted Native American populations, whose lives were deeply intertwined with the animal.

    • The Battle of Little Bighorn, while a prominent Native American victory, was short-lived. Subsequent events led to further land concessions.

    • Chief Joseph, leader of the Nez Perce, led his people on a lengthy resistance journey but ultimately surrendered to the relentless pursuit.

    • Geronimo, Apache leader, resisted white settlement but eventually surrendered, marking the cessation of organized Native American warfare.

    • The Ghost Dance led to further misunderstanding and conflict, culminating in the Wounded Knee Massacre, where hundreds of Lakota people were killed.

    The Dawes Act

    • The Dawes Act (1887) aimed to assimilate Native Americans into farming culture by distributing reservation lands among individuals.
    • This act proved ineffective as the land was poorly suited for farming, and it disrupted existing Native American social structures.

    Rise of Industry & Corporations

    • Railroads drove industrial growth in the post-Civil War era.

    • Innovations like the Bessemer Process transformed steel production, aiding the growth of railroads and other industries.

    • Andrew Carnegie's vertical integration created a steel monopoly.

    • Corporations and banks enabled rapid expansion of American industry by providing investment capital (sale of stock).

    • J.P. Morgan gained control of major railroad and steel corporations, establishing US Steel, a billion-dollar corporation.

    • Edwin L. Drake's discovery of oil (drilling) spurred interest, primarily from refiners like John D. Rockefeller.

    • Rockefeller formed the Standard Oil Trust, showcasing "horizontal integration," (competitive business) controlling a large percentage of the oil refining market in the US and monopolizing the company.

    Labor Movement

    • Late 19th-century working conditions worsened significantly as factories expanded, and workers' skills were easily replaced.

    • Labor unions, like the Knights of Labor and later the American Federation of Labor (AFL), emerged to address low wages, dangerous conditions, and long hours.

    • The Haymarket Riot and anti-labor sentiment negatively impacted labor movements and prompted violence.

    • Events like the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire highlighted the dangers faced by female workers in the garment industry and brought about reforms.

    • Strikes, like the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, Homestead Strike of 1892, and Pullman Strike of 1894, challenged the power of corporations and often met opposition from authorities.

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    Description

    Explore the significant impacts of mining and railroads on the economic growth of the American West. This quiz covers the California Gold Rush, the emergence of boomtowns, and the development of the transcontinental railroad. Test your knowledge on these transformative events and their lasting effects on migration and industry.

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