U.S. History Chapter 25 Quiz

Questions and Answers

What was the dominant United States government policy toward American Indians from the 1880s to the New Deal?

Assimilate them into White culture.

What is the 100th Meridian?

A geographical, east-west line that bisects the United States from the Dakotas through West Texas, marking off the more humid, or well-watered eastern part of the North American continent from the arid landscapes of the West.

A geographical, north-south line that bisects the United States from the Dakotas through West Texas, marking off the more humid, or well-watered eastern part of the North American continent from the arid landscapes of the West. (correct)

The longitudinal line dividing Arizona and California.

The latitudinal line dividing the United States and Canada.

What steps did farmers take to adapt to ecological conditions west of the 100th meridian line?

Dry farming, new strains of plants, and drainage.

Dry farming, new strains of plants, and irrigation. (correct)

The mining frontier played a vital role in which of the following?

Attracting the first substantial white population to the West. Signup and view all the answers

Which frontier towns were at the end of cattle trails from Texas?

Abilene, Kansas; Sedalia, Missouri; and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887?

American Indians lost control of millions of acres of land. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the U.S. government set aside lands for national parks?

To preserve land in the West. Signup and view all the answers

According to historian Frederick Jackson Turner, a key factor in the development of American individualism and democracy was?

The frontier. Signup and view all the answers

During the late nineteenth century, the reduction in price of American agricultural products led to?

Farmers being compelled to increase production. Signup and view all the answers

Where was the real 'safety valve' provided by the late nineteenth century?

Western cities like Denver and San Francisco. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about borderlands?

All choices are correct. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the closing of the frontier dated to 1890?

In that year, the census bureau declared that there was no longer a discernible line of advancing pioneer settlement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributed to the decline of open-range cattle ranching at the end of the nineteenth century EXCEPT?

Federal recognition of American Indian land claims. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the United States not taking the advice of Chief Joseph?

Confine American Indians to reservations and promoting assimilation Signup and view all the answers

What did the events between Chief Joseph and the federal government demonstrate about U.S.-Native American relations in the late nineteenth century?

Violent conflicts continued to be waged between the Native Americans and the government Signup and view all the answers

What ended the reservation system?

The Dawes Severalty Act Signup and view all the answers

What does the image of the Battle of Little Bighorn suggest about who won the battle?

The Sioux decimated U.S. forces Signup and view all the answers

What defines the reservation system?

The system that allotted land with designated boundaries to Native American tribes in the West, beginning in the 1850s and ending with the Dawes Severalty Act in 1887 Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Dawes Severalty Act passed in 1887?

To force Native Americans to adopt Western culture and farming practices Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was most damaging to Native Americans' way of life?

The significant decline in the number of American bison Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is untrue about the Battle of Little Bighorn?

The battle marks Colonel George Custer's last victory against Native Americans Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Sioux battle culture by looking at the image?

The Sioux used war paint to intimidate the enemy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributed most to the availability of western lands?

Legislation that facilitated the distribution of western land Signup and view all the answers

Red Cloud was a _ Indian strategist responsible for the ambush of 's command in __.

Lakota; Cpt. William Fetterman; Wyoming Big Horn Mountains Signup and view all the answers

The Battle of Little Bighorn is also known as?

Custer's Last Stand Signup and view all the answers

What was the Sand Creek Massacre?

The assault of a Cheyenne village by militia Signup and view all the answers

The Dawes Severalty Act broke up Indian reservations and distributed land to , while leftover land was sold to fund efforts to _.

individual households; civilize Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was true of the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887?

It eliminated most tribal land ownership in favor of ownership by individuals Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the conflict referenced in Chief Joseph's speech?

Competition for land and resources Signup and view all the answers

What was Chief Joseph known for?

Leading a band of Nez Perce to escape U.S. authorities Signup and view all the answers

What does the Peace Policy refer to?

President Grant's failed attempt to end the Plains Indian Wars with missionaries Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Sioux battle culture regarding war paint?

The Sioux used war paint to intimidate the enemy Signup and view all the answers

What describes Sitting Bull?

Chief of the Sioux who led his people to safety after the battle Signup and view all the answers

What occurred during the Battle of Wounded Knee?

All choices are correct Signup and view all the answers

What perspective do new historians have regarding the West?

European settlers tamed the West Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes African Americans who fled the South to settle in Kansas?

Exodusters Signup and view all the answers

The settlement pattern described in the excerpt indicates it was similar to earlier patterns in that it was?

Accompanied by conflict with American Indians over land ownership Signup and view all the answers

What was a cause of the Battle of Wounded Knee?

The Sioux refused to give up the 'Ghost Dance' Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the mining industry is true?

Fortune seekers rushed to the West for mining opportunities Signup and view all the answers

Which role did railways play in the development of the agricultural west?

Easier access to markets for crops Signup and view all the answers

During the late nineteenth century, farmers complained about all of the following EXCEPT?

Rising commodity prices Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the 1862 Homestead Act is not true?

It effectively kept land speculators from abusing the act Signup and view all the answers

Based on the map, which statement is true?

Dairy was a major product of the Northeast Signup and view all the answers

What trend did U.S. policy from the 1880s to the New Deal promote regarding American Indians?

Break up tribal landholdings Signup and view all the answers

Who was John Wesley Powell?

Geologist and explorer of the Grand Canyon Signup and view all the answers

What does the chart for 1890 indicate about U.S. economic conditions?

American farmers struggled financially Signup and view all the answers

What did the U.S. Census Bureau determine in 1890?

The frontier could no longer be distinguished from settled areas Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed most to increased settlement of the Great Plains?

Construction of railroads Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

U.S.-Native American Relations

The U.S. confining American Indians to reservations aimed at promoting assimilation rather than respecting treaties or cultural autonomy.
Violent conflicts persisted between Native Americans and the government in the late 19th century, exemplified by events involving Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce.

Key Legislation and Events

The Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 ended the reservation system by breaking up tribal land and promoting individual land ownership among Native Americans.
The Battle of Little Bighorn, known as "Custer's Last Stand," marked a significant defeat for U.S. forces, where over 250 soldiers were killed by a combined force of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho.
The Sand Creek Massacre in 1864 involved militia forces attacking a Cheyenne village, leading to significant civilian casualties, including women and children.

Military Strategies and Conflict

Sioux battle tactics often relied on elements of surprise and the use of war paint for intimidation.
The Battle of Wounded Knee arose from tensions around the Sioux's "Ghost Dance," leading to a violent confrontation between U.S. Army and Dakota Sioux.

Cultural Figures

Chief Joseph led the Nez Perce during a trek to find safety in Canada, symbolizing resistance against U.S. policies.
Sitting Bull, a Sioux leader, guided his people to safety post-Battle of Little Bighorn, reinforcing the theme of Native resistance.

Major Themes in Settlement and Economics

The 1862 Homestead Act aimed to promote settlement by providing land to citizens and immigrants who aimed to cultivate it, although land speculators exploited the act.
The rise of railroads significantly boosted agricultural settlement in the Great Plains, facilitating transportation of goods and resources.

Ecological Adaptations

Farmers adapted to the arid conditions west of the 100th meridian by employing dry farming techniques, using new plant strains, and implementing irrigation strategies.

Important Figures and Theories

Frederick Jackson Turner theorized that the closing of the American frontier shaped the national character, influencing views on American identity.
John Wesley Powell warned about the sustainability of agriculture in the arid West, advocating for scientific assessments of land use.

African Americans migrating from the Reconstruction South to Kansas in the late 19th century were known as Exodusters, reflecting broader movements seeking new opportunities.
The conflicts and migrations during this period emphasize the ongoing struggle for land and resources, affecting both Native Americans and settlers.

Summary of Impacts

By the late 19th century, U.S. policies focused on land ownership transition and assimilation rather than respecting Native autonomy, significantly altering the fabric of American Indian societies.
Economic struggles arose for many American farmers due to high costs and competition, contributing to discontent and social movements throughout the agricultural landscape.### Mining Frontier
The mining frontier attracted a substantial white population to the West, facilitating settlement.
Law and order emerged in the West due to the influence of the mining industry.

Cattle Trails

Cattle trails led to frontier towns including Abilene, Kansas; Sedalia, Missouri; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.
These towns served as key destinations for cattle drives from Texas.

Dawes Severalty Act of 1887

The Dawes Act resulted in American Indians losing control of millions of acres of land.
The Act aimed to assimilate and individualize land ownership among Native Americans.

National Parks

The U.S. government established national parks to preserve land in the West.
This action protected natural resources and landscapes for future generations.

Frontier's Influence

Historian Frederick Jackson Turner emphasized the significance of the frontier in shaping American individualism and democracy.

Agricultural Challenges

In the late 1800s, falling agricultural prices compelled farmers to increase production.
Economic pressures led to heightened competition and financial struggles for farmers.

Safety Valve Concept

Western cities like Denver and San Francisco acted as a "safety valve," providing escape routes for displaced populations.

Borderlands

Borderlands are regions where different cultures, such as Hispanic and Anglophone, intermingle, particularly in areas like Texas to California.
They historically served as meeting points between European empires and Native American societies.

Closing of the Frontier

The frontier is considered closed as of 1890 when the census bureau indicated no identifiable line of advancing pioneer settlement.
This marked a significant turning point in American expansion.

Decline of Open-Range Cattle Ranching

Open-range cattle ranching declined due to excessively cold winters, overgrazing, a drop in cattle prices, and production shifts toward distant markets.
Federal recognition of American Indian land claims was not a contributing factor to this decline.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the policies implemented by the United States towards Native Americans in Chapter 25. This quiz explores important concepts, events, and figures during this period. Review major themes such as assimilation, reservations, and cultural autonomy.