The West (1865-1900) Overview

The belief that all people, regardless of their race or background, should have equal rights and opportunities.

A strong feeling of sadness and disappointment, often caused by betrayal or unfulfilled promises.

A feeling of confinement and lack of freedom, like being trapped or restricted.

A place where a group of people, often Indigenous, are confined and required to live under certain rules and regulations.

A large-scale conflict between Indigenous people and the United States government, resulting in the deaths of many.

A prominent Apache leader known for his resistance against US forces and his raids on white settlers.

The leader of the Nez Perce tribe, known for his eloquent speeches and his peaceful resistance against the US government.

A person who has the authority to speak on behalf of others, especially in a political context.

The act of using words to express ideas, opinions, or feelings.

A movement advocating for government control of key industries like railroads, telephones, and telegraph. Supporters were often frustrated farmers and industrialists who felt powerful corporations unfairly influenced government policies.

A silver standard for currency proposed by Populists to create inflation and lessen the burden of debt on farmers.

A law that provided 160 acres of public land to settlers who agreed to live on it for five years and improve it. This encouraged westward expansion and the development of family farms.

Large farms, often exceeding 15,000 acres, that relied on mechanization and displaced smaller family farms due to their economic efficiency.

Cattle drives across the Great Plains, from Texas to Kansas, where cattle were shipped to meatpackers in cities like Chicago and Kansas City.

Towns that sprung up quickly due to the discovery of gold or silver, often characterized by lawlessness and a boom-and-bust cycle.

The period after the Civil War when Plains Indians surrendered their lands to the US government, who promised to leave them alone and provide supplies.

An 1881 book by Helen Hunt Jackson that documented the injustices faced by Native Americans, including broken promises, forced removals, and massacres.

An 1887 act aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream society by dissolving tribal entities, abolishing tribal land ownership, and promoting individual land ownership for farming.

A term used to describe conflicts between Plains Indians and the US military, where white victories were often called 'battles', and Native American victories were called 'massacres'.

A famous battle between US cavalry led by General George Custer and a combined Native American force under Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, resulting in a decisive Native American victory.

A battle between US troops and Lakota Sioux, marked by the massacre of hundreds of unarmed Native American men, women, and children, stemming from the Ghost Dance movement adopted by the Lakota.

African American soldiers who served in the US Army on the Western frontier. They constituted one-fifth of the frontier troops and faced prejudice and discrimination despite their bravery and service.

A movement that began as a way for farmers to connect socially but evolved into a political force seeking economic reform, such as breaking the grip of railroads and manufacturers.

An organization of farmers that aimed to break the power of monopolies, support relief for debtors, and improve their collective economic standing.

A political party that emerged from the Grange and Farmer's Alliance movements, advocating for farmers' interests and economic reform.