Settling the West (1865-1890)

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<p>It promoted assimilation through land allotment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Barbed wire and windmills (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gold rush in California that began in 1848, attracting thousands seeking fortune.

A law passed in 1862 that gave 160 acres of land to anyone who agreed to live on the land and improve it for at least five years.

Completed in 1869, this railroad connected the east coast to the west coast, facilitating the settlement of the West and trade.

A system of forced relocation, where Native American tribes were confined to specific areas, often with poor land and resources.

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This act, passed in 1887, aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by dividing communal land into individual allotments.

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Mining Industry:
- California Gold Rush (1848)
- Comstock Lode (1859)
Homestead Act:
- Gave 160 acres of land to individuals not supporting the Confederacy.
- Improved survival and land ownership over five years.
- Led to more sod houses and dry farming techniques on the Great Plains.
The Transcontinental Railroad:
- Completed in 1869.
- Union Pacific built by Irish immigrants.
- Central Pacific built by Chinese immigrants.
- Accelerated westward settlement.

Indian Wars:
- Reservation system implemented.
- Buffalo slaughter.
- Dawes Act:
  - Forced assimilation of Native Americans.
  - Assigned 160 acres of land to individual families.
  - Native American children were sent to boarding schools.

Demand for beef:
- Immigrants created high demand for beef.
- Cattle drives to railroad centers in Kansas.
- Growth of meatpacking industry.
Innovations:
- Barbed wire.
- Windmills.
- Facilitated ranching.