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 (B)

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 (C)</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 (A)</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 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</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 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</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 (C)</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 (A)</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. (B)</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 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</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 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Carnegie Steel is an example of horizontal integration.

<p>False (B)</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. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rockefeller initially entered the oil industry as a driller.

<p>False (B)</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 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</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 (D)</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 (B)</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 (B)</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 (B)</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 (C)</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 (B)</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 (B)</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 (A)</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. (A)</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 (B)</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 (C)</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% (D)</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 (B)</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 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</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 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

<p>False (B)</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 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Child labor was uncommon in the late 1800s.

<p>False (B)</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. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</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% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>False (B)</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 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</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 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>False (B)</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

Flashcards

Mining's effect on West

Mining attracted people to the West, leading to population growth and economic expansion.

Comstock Lode

A rich silver mine in Nevada, named after Henry Comstock, that spurred significant westward migration.

Boomtowns

Towns that rapidly grew near mining sites, often short-lived due to resource depletion.

Transcontinental Railroad

A railroad line that connected the East and West coasts of the US, significantly impacting the economy.

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Union Pacific

One of the companies that built the Transcontinental Railroad, starting from Omaha, Nebraska.

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Central Pacific

One of the companies that built the Transcontinental Railroad, starting from Sacramento, California.

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Promontory, Utah

The meeting point of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads, marking the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

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Economic Impact of Railroads

Railroads provided a vital transportation system, facilitating efficient and affordable shipping, hence boosting economic growth.

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Railroad network expansion

Connecting short rail lines into a national system, enabling easier and faster transportation of people, goods, and mail.

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Standard railroad tracks

Uniform track gauge allowed trains to run on different lines without switching.

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Pullman cars

Luxury railroad cars developed by George Pullman, improving train travel comfort.

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Railroad economic impact

Railroads spurred economic growth by enabling efficient production and distribution of goods, resources, and agricultural products.

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Railroad competition

Fierce rivalry among railroad companies, often leading to price wars and financial losses.

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Secret rebates

Hidden discounts given by railroads to large businesses, furthering competition.

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Pooling of railroads

Railroad companies agreeing to set prices, avoiding competition and potentially harming farmers.

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Populist movement

A movement that urged the government to regulate railroad prices and possibly run them.

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Panic of 1893

Economic crisis partly caused by overbuilding of railroads and bankruptcies, leading to widespread unemployment.

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Cattle drives

Herding cattle from Texas ranches to northern railroad destinations to meet increased beef demand.

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Homestead Act (1862)

Law granting 160 acres of free land to settlers who met certain conditions, fostering westward expansion and farming.

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Exodusters

African Americans who migrated westward, primarily to Kansas, after Reconstruction, seeking greater freedom and economic opportunities.

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Open range

Land where cattle grazed freely, a way of life that was challenged by farmers and fences.

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Buffalo Soldiers

African American soldiers who served in the US Army, known for their discipline and courage, often stationed in the West.

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Barbed wire

Used to fence in fields, forcing cattle ranchers to either fence in their land or buy feed, eventually ending the open range.

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Western agriculture

Farming practices and development in the American West, significantly influenced by railroads and the Homestead Act.

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Homestead Act

A law allowing settlers to claim 160 acres of free land in the West by living on it, cultivating it, and making improvements for five years.

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Sooners

People who staked out land claims in Oklahoma before the official opening, violating the rules.

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Railroad's effect on cities

Cities grew along railroad lines due to increased trade, industry, and population.

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Boomers

People who raced to claim land in Oklahoma at noon on April 22, 1889, during the Land Rush.

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Land Rush

A sudden influx of settlers into an area to claim free land, often causing chaos and competition.

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Morrill Land Grant Colleges

Colleges established using federal land grants to provide education in agriculture, industry, and the mechanical arts.

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Sod Houses

Homes constructed out of blocks of earth held together by grass roots, commonly used on the Great Plains due to lack of wood.

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Grange

A farmers' organization that advocated for improving farm prices, lowering railroad shipping rates, and promoting economic cooperation.

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Farmers Alliance

A group of farmers who sought to join forces with factory workers and miners to fight against perceived injustices.

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Populism

A political movement advocating for the interests of farmers and working-class people, particularly against big business and financial institutions.

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Free Silver

A policy proposal advocating for the unlimited minting of silver coins to increase the money supply and benefit debtors, particularly farmers.

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Gold Standard

A monetary system where the value of currency is directly backed by gold reserves, limiting the money supply.

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William Jennings Bryan

A Democratic presidential candidate who championed populist ideals, including the free silver policy.

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William McKinley

The Republican presidential candidate who supported the gold standard and business interests, defeating Bryan in 1896.

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Rockefeller's Oil Monopoly

John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil, gained control of nearly all oil refining in the US by forming a trust, a group of companies run by a single board of directors.

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Horizontal Integration

A business strategy where a company acquires or merges with its competitors in the same industry, aiming to dominate the market.

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Trust (Business)

A group of companies managed by a single board of directors, allowing for centralized control and profit sharing.

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Capitalism

An economic system where businesses are privately owned and operated, competing in a free market to sell goods and services.

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Monopolies and Competition

Monopolies are when a single company dominates a market, reducing competition and potentially leading to unfair pricing and limited choices.

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Arguments Against Trusts

Critics of trusts argued that they reduced competition, limited consumer choices, and gave them too much political influence.

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Arguments for Trusts

Supporters of trusts argued that they led to lower production costs, resulting in lower prices for consumers and potentially higher wages for workers.

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Laissez-Faire Approach

A hands-off approach by the government towards business, allowing companies to operate with minimal regulation.

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Labor Union

An organization of workers who band together to improve their working conditions, wages, and benefits.

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Knights of Labor

A labor union founded in 1869, initially for skilled workers but later opened to include immigrants, African Americans, women, and unskilled laborers.

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Haymarket Riot

A violent incident in 1886 that began with workers striking for better pay in Chicago, escalated into a police confrontation, and ultimately led to anti-labor sentiment growing.

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Anarchists

Individuals who oppose all forms of organized government and advocate for a stateless society.

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American Federation of Labor (AFL)

A large labor union founded in 1886 with a focus on higher wages, shorter work hours, and better working conditions for its members.

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Collective Bargaining

A process where union representatives negotiate with employers to reach agreements on wages, hours, and working conditions.

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Mary Harris Jones ('Mother Jones')

A prominent labor activist who fought for the rights of workers, particularly those working in dangerous conditions or facing child labor exploitation.

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Ghost Dance

A peaceful religious ceremony performed by Native Americans, which involved dancing in a circle and praying for the return of the buffalo and the disappearance of white people.

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Wounded Knee Massacre

A tragic event in 1890 where US troops opened fire on a group of unarmed Lakota (Sioux) Native Americans, resulting in the deaths of over 300 men, women, and children.

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Dawes Act

An act passed in 1887 that aimed to encourage Native Americans to become farmers by dividing reservation land into individual plots for families.

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Bessemer Process

A revolutionary method invented by Henry Bessemer in 1852 for making steel more efficiently and at a lower cost.

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Vertical Integration

A strategy employed by Andrew Carnegie where a company controls all the stages of production, from raw materials to finished products.

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Monopoly

A situation in which a single company or individual controls the entire market for a particular product or service.

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Stock

A share representing partial ownership of a company, allowing investors to share in the company's profits.

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Corporation

A business owned by its investors who are called shareholders, and managed by a board of directors.

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J.P. Morgan

A powerful banker in the late 1800s who used his banking profits to gain control of major corporations, including several railroads and steel companies.

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John D. Rockefeller

A prominent oil tycoon in the late 1800s who built the Standard Oil Company and used ruthless tactics to eliminate competition and dominate the industry.

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Standard Oil Company

The dominant oil company in the late 1800s, founded by John D. Rockefeller, which controlled nearly all aspects of the oil industry.

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Rebates

Secret discounts or refunds given to customers, often used by companies to gain an unfair advantage over competitors.

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Kerosene

A highly flammable liquid originally derived from oil, used as a fuel in stoves and lamps before the widespread use of electricity.

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What was the Bessemer Process and why was it significant?

The Bessemer Process was a new method invented by Henry Bessemer in 1852 for making steel more efficiently and at a lower cost. It was significant because it allowed for the mass production of steel, which was stronger and more durable than iron. This led to the development of new industries and innovations, like the railroad industry.

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What was the Triangle Shirtwaist Company?

A garment factory in New York City, known for poor working conditions and its tragic fire in 1911.

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What caused the Triangle Shirtwaist fire?

The fire started on the 8th floor, possibly from a discarded cigarette, and spread quickly due to flammable materials like fabric and oil.

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Who were the victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire?

Mostly young immigrant women, some even teenagers, who worked long hours in the factory.

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What were the safety hazards in the Triangle Shirtwaist factory?

The factory had only one operational elevator, a locked fire escape, and a single inward-opening staircase, hindering escape during the fire.

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What was the impact of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire?

The fire sparked significant safety reforms, including mandatory sprinkler systems in factories and increased focus on worker safety.

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Why did the Great RR Strike of 1877 occur?

Railroad workers protested against repeated pay cuts causing widespread strikes and riots.

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What was the Homestead Strike (1892) about?

A strike by workers at the Carnegie Steel plant in Pennsylvania, protesting wage cuts and anti-union actions.

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Who was Henry Frick?

The manager of the Carnegie Steel Mill during the Homestead strike, known for his anti-union stance.

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What were the Pinkerton agents?

Private security guards hired by Frick to break the strike and replace workers with non-union labor.

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What was the role of the Pennsylvania National Guard in the Homestead Strike?

They were sent in by the governor to regain control of the steel plant after the workers fought off the Pinkertons.

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What was the Panic of 1893?

A severe economic depression that led to widespread unemployment and business failures.

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What was the outcome of the Pullman Strike?

The strike was eventually broken by federal troops, leading to the imprisonment of union leaders and the defeat of the strikers.

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How did the government commonly respond to labor strikes?

They usually sided with the factory owners, sending in troops to quell strikes and ruling against strikers in court.

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Pullman Strike

A major labor strike in 1894 that began at the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago and spread nationwide, involving the American Railway Union (ARU).

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American Railway Union (ARU)

A union that primarily represented railroad workers. It was involved in the Pullman Strike of 1894.

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Eugene V. Debs

The president of the American Railway Union (ARU) during the Pullman Strike. He called for a nationwide boycott of Pullman cars.

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Pullman Palace Car Company

A company that manufactured luxury passenger train cars. The strike started here.

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Boycott

A tactic used by the ARU in the Pullman Strike where union members refused to handle Pullman cars or any trains with Pullman cars.

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Federal Injunction

A court order that stopped the strike and boycott. President Cleveland used this to intervene.

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Federal Troops

President Cleveland sent troops to Chicago to break up the strike, creating widespread anger.

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Strike's Impact

The Pullman Strike resulted in significant economic losses for railroads and workers, sparked nationwide unrest, and fueled labor tensions.

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Public Opinion

Public opinion shifted against the strikers after the strike turned violent. Congress supported Cleveland's actions.

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Post-Strike Consequences

The Pullman Company reopened, but workers had to sign pledges not to join unions. This set a precedent for how businesses dealt with labor.

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Ft. Laramie Treaty

An 1851 agreement between the US government and Native American tribes. The government promised land and resources in exchange for Native Americans staying within a designated area. This treaty was a symbol of broken promises, as settlers later encroached on Native Lands.

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Sand Creek Massacre

The brutal attack on a peaceful Cheyenne village in 1864 by US soldiers at an army fort. Over 150 Cheyenne people, including women and children, were killed despite displaying white and American flags as signs of surrender. This event fueled further conflict between Native Americans and the US government.

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Forced Assimilation

The policy of forcing Native American children to adopt European customs and values. This often involved sending Native American children to boarding schools where they were forbidden from practicing their own cultures, speaking their own language, or wearing their traditional clothing.

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Indian Territory

The present-day Oklahoma, where many Native American groups were forcibly relocated in 1867. This land was meant to be their new home under government control. However, the soil was unsuitable for farming, which was the only livelihood permitted.

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Bison's role in Native American culture

The Bison was a crucial element of Native American life on the Great Plains. It provided sustenance, shelter, tools, clothing, and other necessities. Native Americans had a deep respect for the Bison and only hunted what they needed.

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Bison population decline

The Bison population drastically decreased during the westward expansion. This was heavily influenced by railroad companies hunting the Bison along the railroad tracks and professional hunters seeking to profit from Bison products. This greatly impacted the survival of the Plains Native Americans.

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Battle of Little Bighorn

A significant victory for Native Americans over US troops in 1876. Lead by Lt. Col. George Custer, 225 US soldiers were killed in this battle by an estimated 2,000 Lakota warriors. This battle proved to be short-lived, as the government responded by pressuring the Lakota to surrender their land.

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Black Hills

The sacred home of the Lakota tribe in South Dakota, where gold was discovered in 1874. This discovery led to a rush of miners and resulted in government pressure on the Lakota to relinquish their lands in exchange for rations.

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Chief Joseph

The leader of the Nez Perce, known for his resistance against the government's attempts to relocate them. Chief Joseph led his people on a 1000-mile journey towards Canada to escape forced resettlement before eventually surrendering.

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Nez Perce Relocation

The 1877 forced relocation of the Nez Perce tribe, who had historically lived in the Snake River Valley. The government ordered them to move to a reservation in Idaho, setting in motion their trek towards Canada.

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Geronimo

The leader of the Apache Native Americans, known for his fierce resistance against the US government. Geronimo's surrender in 1886 marked the end of formal warfare between Native Americans and the US government.

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Apache Resistance

The Apache people's unwavering resistance to the loss of their lands during the expansion westward. They fought tirelessly against the US government from 1876, under the leadership of Geronimo, until his eventual surrender.

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The Ghost Dance Movement

A revitalization movement that emerged in the late 19th century among Native Americans. This movement aimed to restore the buffalo, reunite the living with the dead, and bring about a new era of peace and freedom.

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End of Formal Warfare

The conclusion of official military conflicts between Native American tribes and the US government in 1886 due to Geronimo's surrender. Although there was a formal end to the conflict, the struggles and injustices faced by Native Americans continued.

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Native American's Longing

The deep desire among many Native Americans to reconnect with their lost way of life, culture, and values after the forced assimilation and loss of their ancestral lands.

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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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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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