Mining the West: Boom and Bust

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Describe the shift in mining operations that occurred as the California Gold Rush waned and new discoveries were made in places like Pikes Peak and the Comstock Lode. How did this change affect the average prospector?

Mining shifted from individual prospectors panning for gold to large companies using expensive machinery to extract ore from underground lodes. This made it much harder for individual miners to strike it rich.

What factors contributed to the rapid growth of boomtowns like Virginia City, Nevada, and what were some of the social and economic characteristics of these towns?

Boomtowns grew rapidly due to gold and silver strikes, attracting diverse populations and leading to quick money, extravagant living, gambling, high costs of goods, and often lawlessness.

How did foreign investment, specifically British investment, play a role in the development of the American mining industry during the mid-19th century?

Foreign investment, particularly from the British, provided crucial capital for mining companies to acquire machinery, hire workers, and conduct large-scale mining operations.

Explain why, despite the potential for high earnings in boomtowns, many miners struggled to accumulate wealth. Provide specific examples from the text.

Although miners could earn as much as $2,000 a year, high costs for food, lodging, clothing, and other goods in boomtowns drained their earnings, making it difficult to accumulate wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Comstock Lode, and what impact did its discovery have on the surrounding area?

The Comstock Lode was a rich lode of silver-bearing ore discovered in Nevada. Its discovery led to the opening of thousands of mines and the rapid growth of boomtowns like Virginia City. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the experiences of individual prospectors versus mining companies during the gold and silver rushes, noting the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Individual prospectors had the advantage of independence but lacked capital for advanced equipment, limiting their success. Mining companies had financial resources but often displaced individual miners. Signup and view all the answers

Henry Comstock received $11,000 and two mules for his share of the Comstock Lode. How does this sum compare to the total value of gold and silver extracted from the lode, and what does this disparity suggest about the nature of wealth creation during the mining boom?

The $11,000 and two mules Comstock received was a tiny fraction of the hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of gold and silver pulled from the Comstock Lode, illustrating that initial discoverers did not always reap the greatest financial benefits compared to investors and mining companies. Signup and view all the answers

The slogan for prospectors heading to Colorado was 'Pikes Peak or Bust.' What does this reveal about the attitudes and expectations of those participating in the Gold Rush?

This phrase shows a mixture of optimism and desperation. It indicates participants had high hopes, but were fully committed even if it meant risking everything. Signup and view all the answers

How did the absence of formal law enforcement in boomtowns influence the rise of vigilante groups, and what were the consequences of their actions?

The absence of formal law enforcement led citizens to form vigilante groups to address crime. Consequences included dispensing justice without due process. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the ways in which women contributed to the development and stability of boomtown communities.

Women contributed by opening businesses, working as laundresses, cooks, or entertainers, and by founding schools & churches, promoting safety and order. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the cyclical nature of boom and bust in mining towns, and what factors contributed to this pattern?

The cycle involved rapid growth during ore discovery followed by decline when mines depleted, leading to population exodus and ghost towns. Signup and view all the answers

How did the shift from mining precious metals like gold and silver to base metals influence industrial development in the United States?

The shift provided raw materials like copper, lead, & zinc for manufacturing, integrating the mining frontier into American industry. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the expansion of the railroad network on the development of the western United States?

Railroads facilitated transportation of goods and people, connecting western mines to eastern markets & enabling settlement and economic growth. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the motivations and justifications behind government subsidies and land grants to railroad companies during the construction of the transcontinental railroad.

Government subsidies aimed to incentivize railroad construction by providing financial aid and land, based on the belief that a rail network would benefit the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main challenges faced by the Central Pacific and Union Pacific companies during the construction of the transcontinental railroad, and how did they differ?

Challenges included harsh terrain, labor shortages, and competition. The Central Pacific faced mountainous terrain, while the Union Pacific dealt with plains. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 and its immediate effects on the United States.

It connected the East and West, facilitating trade, migration, and economic growth by providing a faster and more efficient transportation route. Signup and view all the answers

What role did immigrant labor play in the construction of the transcontinental railroad, and what conditions did these workers face?

Immigrants, especially Chinese and Irish workers, provided essential labor under harsh conditions like low wages, dangerous work environments, and discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

How did technological advancements in mining and transportation contribute to the transformation of the American West during the late 19th century?

New mining techniques increased ore extraction efficiency, while railroads improved transport, facilitating economic development and population growth in the West. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the social and economic tensions that arose in boomtowns due to the rapid influx of diverse populations and limited resources.

Tensions arose from competition for resources, cultural clashes, and social inequalities due to the rapid population increase and economic disparities. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the establishment of new states in the West impact the balance of power in the U.S. Congress and the political landscape of the nation?

New states increased representation in Congress, shifting the balance of power and influencing national policies related to western development and other issues. Signup and view all the answers

How did the expansion of mining and railroad industries in the West affect Native American populations and their traditional way of life?

Expansion led to displacement, loss of land and resources, and disruption of traditional lifestyles through broken treaties and violent conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What strategies did railroad companies employ to acquire land and financial support for construction, and what were the ethical implications of these strategies?

Strategies included lobbying for government subsidies and land grants, but these often involved exploiting indigenous populations which raised ethical concerns. Signup and view all the answers

How did the rise of boomtowns and the expansion of the railroads contribute to the development of a national market economy in the United States?

They facilitated the movement of goods, resources, and people across regions, integrating local economies into a national market system. Signup and view all the answers

Why did silver-mining companies in the West support the free silver movement?

They would have a guaranteed buyer for their silver if the government coined large quantities of it. Signup and view all the answers

What was the central dilemma faced by the Populists in the 1896 election regarding the Democratic Party?

They had to decide whether to ally with the Democrats, who also supported free silver, or to remain a separate party, risking a division of the free-silver vote. Signup and view all the answers

What factors led to William McKinley's victory over William Jennings Bryan in the 1896 election?

The improving economic conditions and the public perception that McKinley represented stability. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can the Populist movement be considered 'victorious' despite the loss of the election?

Many of the Populist ideas were adopted by later reformers and enacted into law. Signup and view all the answers

Why was William Jennings Bryan known as 'The Great Commoner'?

Because of his appeal to average Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What was William McKinley's stance on the issue of free silver?

McKinley opposed free silver. Signup and view all the answers

Describe one election reform that was initially a Populist goal and was later adopted.

The secret ballot or the direct election of senators. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the improving economic situation in the late 1890s impacted the urgency of the Populist message.

As the economy improved, the Populists' message of radical reform became less appealing to voters. Signup and view all the answers

How did the expansion of railroads influence the growth and development of towns in the American West?

Railroads facilitated the transportation of agricultural goods and settlers, leading to the emergence and growth of towns along rail lines. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the railroad companies' actions in 1883 impact the daily lives and schedules of people across the United States?

The railroad companies divided the country into four time zones, creating a standardized time system for train schedules, which eventually became law. Signup and view all the answers

What factors led to a sharp increase in the value of Texas longhorn cattle in 1866, and how did this impact the cattle industry?

The arrival of the Missouri Pacific Railroad in Missouri allowed cattle to be shipped North and East, leading to a rapid increase in the value of longhorns and the rise of cattle drives. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Long Drive, and why was it necessary for Texas ranchers to undertake such challenging journeys?

The Long Drive was the herding of cattle over long distances to reach railroads, necessitated by the location of beef markets in the North and East. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the daily life and challenges faced by cowhands during cattle drives, highlighting the conditions they had to endure.

Cowhands worked up to 15 hours a day in harsh weather, facing loneliness and dangers such as storms, rustlers, and stampedes. Signup and view all the answers

How did Spanish vaqueros influence the skills, equipment, and language associated with cattle herding in the American West?

Vaqueros developed skills like riding, roping, and branding. Their equipment, like hats and ropes, and Spanish words like 'rancho' influenced cowhand culture. Signup and view all the answers

Explain some of the hazards cowhands faced on the trail during cattle drives, emphasizing the dangers that could lead to loss of cattle or life.

Cowhands faced violent storms, rustlers, swift rivers, and stampedes, all of which threatened the safety of both humans and animals. Signup and view all the answers

Despite the diverse workforce in the Wild West, how did discrimination manifest itself among cowhands of different racial and ethnic backgrounds?

Minorities often faced discrimination in pay and were rarely promoted to leadership positions. Some towns also practiced segregation or exclusion. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the rise of cattle ranching on the northern Plains differ from the cattle industry's earlier practices in Texas?

Ranchers crossbred longhorns with other breeds to create plumper cattle, and ranching gradually replaced the Long Drive due to overgrazing and low prices. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the end of the Cattle Kingdom boom in the mid-1880s, leading to a bust in the cattle industry?

Fell due to overgrazing, oversupply drove prices down, and severe winters killed off large populations of cattle. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the introduction of railroads influenced the measurement of time in communities across the United States.

Before railroads, communities kept their own time, but the demand for train schedules led to the creation of time zones. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics of longhorn cattle made them well-suited to the open range environment of Texas?

Longhorns were a tough breed of cattle that adapted to the environment of Texas. Signup and view all the answers

How did the branding of cattle by ranchers help establish ownership in the open-range environment of Texas?

Ranchers branded cattle to identify ownership on open-range environments. Signup and view all the answers

What role did cow towns play in the cattle industry of the American West, and which states were they primarily located in?

Cow towns were important rail stations in states like Kansas and Wyoming that helped market and ship cattle. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it important for longhorn cattle to remain well-fed during the Long Drive, and what could happen if they became underweight?

Underweight cattle could affect profitability because cattle that were not well-fed could not be sold. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the expansion of railroads contributed to the decline of the buffalo population on the Great Plains.

Railroad companies hired hunters to slaughter buffalo for food and to prevent herds from blocking trains, significantly reducing their numbers. Signup and view all the answers

How did the differing lifestyles between the Omaha/Osage and the Sioux/Comanche/Blackfeet nations reflect their interaction with the Great Plains environment?

The Omaha and Osage were farmers and hunters who lived in settled communities, while the Sioux, Comanche, and Blackfeet were nomadic, following the buffalo herds across the plains. Signup and view all the answers

What was the intention behind the U.S. government's Indian Peace Commission of 1867, and what were some of the shortcomings of its implementation?

The commission aimed to move Native Americans onto reservations, but its implementation was flawed by trickery, poor land quality, and inadequate supplies. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the significance of the Fetterman Massacre, and what underlying tensions led to this violent conflict.

It was a deadly ambush of U.S. troops by Sioux warriors, resulting from tensions over control of hunting grounds and white settlement on the Bozeman Trail. Signup and view all the answers

How did the discovery of gold and silver in Colorado intensify conflicts between white settlers and Native American tribes like the Cheyenne and Arapaho?

The influx of miners led to increased competition for resources and land, prompting the Cheyenne and Arapaho to raid wagon trains and ranches, resulting in violence. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the actions of 'sooners' impact the 'boomers' during the opening of Oklahoma for settlement?

Sooners, who entered Oklahoma early, claimed the best land before the boomers, leaving the boomers with less desirable plots. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody's actions reflect the changing attitudes toward buffalo and Native Americans following the Civil War.

His mass slaughter of buffalo for the railroad reflects both the disregard for the animal's importance to the Native Americans and the push for westward expansion. Signup and view all the answers

How did the physical characteristics of reservations contribute to the difficulties encountered by Native Americans living on them?

Reservations were often located on poor land, making it difficult for Native Americans to sustain themselves through agriculture or hunting. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of women in the Plains Indian nations, and how did their responsibilities contribute to the overall structure of their society?

Women were responsible for rearing children, cooking, and preparing hides. Their work directly supported the basic needs and economic activities of their bands. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the nomadic lifestyle of certain Plains Indian tribes was intrinsicallylinked to the migrations and survival of the buffalo.

The tribes followed the buffalo herds across vast distances, relying on them for food, clothing, shelter, and tools, making their survival dependent on the buffalo migrations. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the U.S. government's policy of establishing reservations for Native Americans inadvertently fostered resentment and conflict.

The policy led to forced relocation, broken treaties, and inadequate resources, fostering Native American resentment and resistance, leading to armed conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What specific geographical features made the Black Hills and Badlands significant in the conflicts between the Lakota Sioux and the U.S. government?

The Black Hills and Badlands served as hunting grounds and provided natural defenses for the Lakota, making them strategically important in resisting U.S. expansion. Signup and view all the answers

How did the religion of the Plains Indians, characterized by a belief in the spiritual power of the natural world, shape their relationship with the buffalo and the land?

The spiritual beliefs emphasized respect for nature, positioning the buffalo and the land as sacred, influencing sustainable practices and resistance to exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the reduction of the buffalo population directly undermined the social and economic structures of the Plains Indian nations.

The buffalo provided food, shelter, clothing, and tools; its reduction devastated the Plains Indians' way of life, leading to economic hardship and social disruption. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the government's failure to provide adequate or quality supplies to Native Americans on reservations contribute to further conflict and distrust?

Broken promises and substandard supplies increased Native American dependence on the government while fostering resentment, leading to violence and distrust. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the end of the "Cattle Kingdom" and the rise of farming on the Great Plains?

The price collapse of the mid-1880s led ranchers to build fences and grow hay for their cattle. Additionally, factors such as railroads, new laws offering free land, and above-average rainfall attracted farmers to the Plains. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the key provisions of the Homestead Act of 1862 and explain how it encouraged settlement of the Great Plains.

The Homestead Act granted 160 acres of free land to settlers who paid a filing fee and lived on the land for five years. This policy incentivized people to move to the Plains and establish farms, contributing to westward expansion. Signup and view all the answers

How did railroad and steamship companies promote settlement on the Great Plains, and what impact did their advertising have on immigration patterns?

Railroads sold land alongside rail lines, while steamship companies advertised the American Plains in Scandinavia. This advertising attracted immigrants, particularly from Scandinavia, to settle in the northern Plains. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the "Exodusters," and what motivated their migration to Kansas in the late 1870s?

The "Exodusters" were African Americans who migrated from the Southern states to Kansas. They were motivated by the end of Reconstruction and the desire to escape racial discrimination and violence in the South. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three major environmental challenges that farmers on the Great Plains faced, and briefly explain the impact of each challenge on agricultural practices and livelihoods.

Farmers faced little rainfall leading to drought, torrential rains that destroyed cops, and plagues of grasshoppers. These factors significantly impacted crop yields and required farmers to adapt with new farming methods. Signup and view all the answers

What was "dry farming," and how did it help farmers adapt to the arid conditions of the Great Plains? What other new tools also proved helpful?

"Dry farming" involved planting seeds deep in the ground where there was moisture. This technique, along with steel plows, windmills, and barbed wire, helped farmers grow crops in the dry Plains environment. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why the 160-acre land grants offered under the Homestead Act often proved insufficient for farmers to sustain a profitable farm on the Great Plains.

The 160-acre grants were often too small to make a living due to the arid conditions and limited crop yields. Farmers typically needed at least 300 acres and advanced machinery to achieve profitability. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the events surrounding the opening of the Oklahoma Territory to homesteaders in 1889. What does this event signify about westward expansion?

In 1889, the federal government opened Oklahoma to homesteaders, leading to a land rush where over 10,000 people lined up to stake their claims. This event symbolizes the ongoing westward expansion and the demand for land. Signup and view all the answers

How did the role of women evolve on the Great Plains frontier, particularly in the context of homesteading and family life?

Single women and widows could claim land under the Homestead Act, and farm wives took on multiple responsibilities, including fieldwork, childcare, healthcare, and education. Women played a central role in maintaining the farm and family. Signup and view all the answers

Besides farming, what other methods did the early pioneers use to make a living on the Great Plains?

Ranching was a major method of making a living. Raising cattle was common before fencing became widespread, and farming took over. Signup and view all the answers

What was family life like on the Great Plans, and what challenges did the families face?

Family life on the Great Plains was a collaborative effort, with each member contributing to farm labor and household tasks. Despite the closeness, families faced challenges such as isolation, harsh weather conditions, and limited access to education and healthcare, requiring resilience and mutual support to overcome. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the end of Reconstruction in 1877 on African Americans, and how did it influence their migration patterns?

The end of Reconstruction in 1877 led to the loss of federal protection for African Americans in the South, prompting many to seek safety and opportunity in the West, particularly in states like Kansas, as part of the Exoduster movement. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the experience of homesteading on the Great Plains differ for men and women, and what factors contributed to these differences?

Men primarily focused on fieldwork and managing livestock, while women balanced fieldwork with domestic responsibilities, childcare, and healthcare. Single women and widows could independently claim land, but they faced additional challenges due to societal expectations and limited resources compared to men. Signup and view all the answers

How did technological advancements such as windmills and barbed wire transform farming practices on the Great Plains, and what challenges did they address?

Windmills enabled farmers to pump water from deep underground for irrigation and domestic use, while barbed wire provided an effective and affordable means of fencing land, protecting crops from livestock, and delineating property boundaries in the absence of traditional materials like wood. These innovations addressed the challenges of water scarcity and lack of fencing resources. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the Oklahoma Land Rush in the context of westward expansion, and how did it reflect conflicting interests and perspectives regarding land ownership and settlement?

The Oklahoma Land Rush symbolized the culmination of westward expansion, as it represented the opening of the last major territory to homesteaders. However, it also highlighted conflicting interests between settlers seeking land and Native American tribes who had been displaced,reflecting the complex and contentious nature of land ownership and settlement in the American West. Signup and view all the answers

What specific difficulties did farmers face regarding railroad companies, and how did these issues impact their livelihoods?

Railroad companies charged farmers more to ship crops than manufacturers, increasing farmers' costs and reducing their profits. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of bankers in the economic struggles faced by farmers during the late 19th century.

Bankers charged high interest rates on loans needed for seed and equipment; crop failures could lead to farmers losing their farms if they couldn't repay these loans. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the National Grange, and how did they attempt to achieve economic self-sufficiency for farmers?

The National Grange aimed to provide education, fellowship, and support to farmers, promoting economic self-sufficiency through 'cash-only' cooperatives to bypass credit buying. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Grange's 'cash-only' cooperative system ultimately fail to alleviate the financial pressures on farmers?

The 'cash-only' policy of the Grange cooperatives failed because farmers often needed to borrow money until their next crop was sold, necessitating credit. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the key features of the Farmers' Alliances and their proposed plan to address the economic challenges faced by farmers.

The Farmers' Alliances advocated for cooperative buying and selling, proposing that the federal government store crops, lend money to farmers, and reduce the power of railroads and banks. Signup and view all the answers

What factors prevented the Farmers' Alliances from becoming a unified and powerful political force in the late 19th century?

Regional differences and personality clashes among leaders kept the various Farmers' Alliances from uniting into a cohesive political entity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the core beliefs and goals of the Populist Party, particularly regarding government ownership and currency reform.

The Populist Party advocated for government ownership of railroads and telegraph lines and sought to replace the gold-based currency system with a flexible currency based on free silver. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Populist Party propose that 'free silver' would specifically benefit farmers in overcoming their economic struggles?

The Populists believed that coining more silver would increase the money supply, making it easier for farmers to pay off their debts. Signup and view all the answers

What specific political and labor reforms did the Populist Party support beyond currency reform and government ownership?

The Populist Party supported election reforms like limiting presidential terms, direct election of senators, secret ballots, shorter work hours, and a national income tax. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the main challenges and setbacks faced by the Populist Party, despite their initial political successes in the 1890s.

The Populist Party struggled with a lack of money and organization, antagonism between the North and South, and the disenfranchisement of African American voters in the South. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Democratic Party in the South undermine the potential success of the Populist Party, especially concerning African American voters?

Southern state legislatures, controlled by Democrats, implemented strict limits on the voting rights of African Americans, preventing many from supporting the Populists. Signup and view all the answers

Why did banking and business interests oppose the Populist's crusade for 'free silver,' and what were their concerns about its potential economic impacts?

Banking and business interests warned that coining unlimited amounts of silver would lead to inflation and ruin the economy. Signup and view all the answers

How did the experiences of the Grange and the Farmers' Alliances demonstrate the challenges of creating sustainable economic cooperatives for farmers?

Both groups struggled with farmers' reliance on credit and internal divisions, showing cooperatives alone couldn't solve farmers' deeper financial problems. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the Populist Party's platform represent a broader shift in American politics towards greater government intervention and regulation?

The Populists' call for government ownership of key infrastructure and currency reform signaled a move towards more active government involvement in the economy. Signup and view all the answers

Considering the various factors that contributed to the struggles of farmers, which do you consider to be the most significant and why?

The most significant factor may be the combined effect of unfair railroad rates, high bank interest, and reliance on credit, creating a cycle of debt. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the discovery of gold in the Black Hills alter the existing agreements and treaties between the U.S. government and the Sioux Nation?

The discovery of gold led to a rush of prospectors onto Sioux land, violating the 1868 treaty that guaranteed the Sioux exclusive rights to the Black Hills. The government then attempted to purchase the land instead of protecting Sioux rights. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans into white American culture, and what specific aspects of Native American life did it target?

The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans by eliminating tribal identity and promoting individual land ownership and farming. It targeted the lack of private property and the nomadic tradition. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Ghost Dance movement among the Sioux, and how did it contribute to the events that transpired at Wounded Knee?

The Ghost Dance was a spiritual movement expressing Sioux cultural identity and hope for restoration of their way of life. It caused alarm among reservation officials, leading to attempts to suppress the practice, the killing of Sitting Bull, and the subsequent massacre at Wounded Knee. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three distinct factors that contributed to the transformation and disruption of the traditional Native American way of life during the late 19th century.

Movement of white settlers, the slaughter of buffalo, and U.S. Army attacks. Signup and view all the answers

How did Colonel John Chivington's actions at Sand Creek impact the relationship between settlers and Native Americans in the region, and what were the immediate consequences of the attack?

Chivington's attack destroyed any trust and led to Cheyenne retaliation. It was followed by widespread uprisings. Signup and view all the answers

What strategic miscalculation did Lieutenant Colonel George Custer make at the Battle of Little Bighorn that led to the defeat of his command, and what were his motivations?

Custer underestimated the size and strength of the Native American force. He was motivated by the desire for glory. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary grievance of farmers in the West and South after the Civil War, and on which specific entities did they place the blame for their economic hardships?

Falling crop prices and high expenses. They blamed railroad companies, merchants/suppliers, and bankers. Signup and view all the answers

How did reformers like Helen Hunt Jackson view the treatment of Native Americans, and what specific policies did they advocate to address the perceived problems?

Reformers were horrified by the massacres and cruelty of the reservation system. They advocated for the abolishment of reservations and assimilation of Native Americans into white culture. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Sitting Bull play in resisting U.S. government policies, and what ultimately led to his death?

Sitting Bull was a Lakota Sioux leader who resisted selling land and fought against the U.S. Army. His suspected involvement in the Ghost Dance led to his death during an arrest attempt. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the circumstances surrounding Geronimo's surrender in 1886, and why is it considered a significant event in the history of Native American resistance?

Geronimo surrendered after years of leading raids against settlers and the army. He was the last Native American to formally surrender to the U.S., marking the end of organized armed resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What specific provision regarding settlement or passage through the Black Hills was included in the 1868 treaty with the Sioux, and how did the reality on the ground differ from this agreement?

The treaty stated that 'No white person or persons shall be permitted to settle upon or occupy' or even 'to pass through' the hills, but after gold was discovered, prospectors swarmed into the area. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the intended effects of the Dawes Act on Native American land ownership and tribal identity. How did these effects compare with the actual outcomes?

The Dawes Act intended to divide reservations into individual plots for Native Americans, encouraging farming and citizenship, and dissolving tribal identity. In reality, much of the land was acquired by speculators, leaving Native Americans with unsuitable plots and weakened cultural traditions. Signup and view all the answers

How did the events surrounding the Wounded Knee Massacre signify a turning point in the relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes?

The Wounded Knee Massacre marked the end of armed conflict between whites and Native Americans, signifying the culmination of the Native Americans' long and ultimately unsuccessful struggle against U.S. expansion and policies. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the economic factors that led to the plight of farmers in the West and South after the Civil War.

Overproduction caused crop prices to fall, while transportation, seed, equipment, and manufactured goods remained high. Signup and view all the answers

What actions did Geronimo take to resist the United States government's control over the Apache people, and what motivated his resistance?

Geronimo escaped the San Carlos reservation and led raids against settlers and the army in Arizona. His motivation was resentment of confinement and the loss of his people's traditional way of life. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Gold Rush

A period when many people rapidly move to an area due to the discovery of gold.

Lode

Deep underground deposits containing rich streaks of ore, often found between rock layers.