US History II - Test 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of the Homestead Act?

To encourage settlement in the west by offering free title to public land if settlers built a home and improved the property for 5 years.

What was the purpose of the Morrill Land Grant Act?

To provide grants of land to states to finance and establish colleges that specialize in agriculture and mining/mechanics.

What role did Chinese and Irish immigrants play in building the Transcontinental Railroad?

They performed a lot of manual labor and were responsible for constructing many of the tracks and mining through mountains.

What pull factors led many immigrants west?

Conditions in another country that attracted people from other nations. Signup and view all the answers

Why did most African Americans migrate west?

The unsettled West was seen as a land of prosperity after the Civil War, along with federal promises of land ownership and job opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What was life like for the homesteaders?

Dangerous and difficult, with scarce food and poor living conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of the Dawes Act?

It forced Native Americans out of their religion and culture and into adopting the white man's way of life, including farming and formal education. Signup and view all the answers

How did the destruction of the buffalo affect the Native Americans?

It hurt their culture significantly as buffalo were a vital resource for food, housing, clothing, and tools. Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote A Century of Dishonor?

Helen Hunt Jackson. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Native American victory at Little Bighorn important for the Sioux tribe?

It demonstrated to the US Army that the Sioux could fight back and win. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Battle of Wounded Knee important?

It marked the last major battle of the Indian Wars of the late 19th century. Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of assimilation?

To eliminate Indian culture and force Native Americans to adopt the lifestyle of white people. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main cause of Indian wars between 1860 and 1890?

The wars were primarily caused by the US forcing Native Americans out of their land. Signup and view all the answers

What group supported the Populists?

Farmers and other laborers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the source of conflict between farmers and railroads during the late 19th century?

Railroads overcharged farmers for shipping their goods, leading to farmers accruing significant debt. Signup and view all the answers

Why did farmers and laborers favor bimetallism?

They believed it would increase the money supply, raise prices, and decrease debt burdens. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act?

To regulate the railroad industry and address monopolistic practices. Signup and view all the answers

What message did William Jennings Bryan give in his 'Cross of Gold' speech?

He supported bimetallism or 'free silver' as a means to bring prosperity to the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Election of 1896?

McKinley/Hobart won the election. Signup and view all the answers

What was the lasting impact of the Populist movement?

Direct election of senators. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Homestead Act

Enacted in 1862, aimed to promote western settlement.
Provided free title to public land for migrants who constructed homes and improved the property over five years.

Morrill Land Grant Act

Established to finance colleges specializing in agriculture, mining, and mechanics.
Offered land grants to states for establishing educational institutions.

Immigration and the Transcontinental Railroad

Chinese and Irish immigrants played a crucial role in constructing the railroad.
Contributed significantly to manual labor, including track laying and tunneling through mountains.

Pull Factors for Westward Migration

Conditions in the U.S. attracted emigrants from other nations, influencing their decision to move.
Examples include land availability and economic opportunities.

African American Migration West

Post-Civil War, the West was perceived as a land of opportunity for African Americans.
Motivated by rising racial violence (e.g., Ku Klux Klan) and federal promises of land ownership and employment.

Life of Homesteaders

Homesteaders faced dangerous lifestyles with scarce food and inadequate living conditions.
The harsh environment made survival challenging.

Dawes Act Impact

Aimed at assimilating Native Americans by dismantling tribal structures.
Forced Native Americans into farming and education modeled after white settlers.

Destruction of Buffalo

Buffalo were integral to Native American culture, providing food, shelter, and tools.
Mass hunting led to significant cultural disruption for Native tribes.

Author of A Century of Dishonor

Written by Helen Hunt Jackson, highlighting injustices faced by Native Americans.

Importance of Little Bighorn Victory

Sioux victory demonstrated their military capability against the U.S. Army, reflecting their resistance to displacement.
Signified a pivotal moment for Native American agency.

Battle of Wounded Knee

Marked the last major engagement of the Indian Wars in the late 19th century.
Symbolized the culmination of violent conflicts between the U.S. government and Native tribes.

Goal of Assimilation

Aimed to eradicate Native American cultures and enforce conformity to white American norms.

Main Cause of Indian Wars (1860-1890)

Conflict primarily stemmed from U.S. encroachments on Native lands, provoking resistance and warfare.

Populist Support Base

The Populist Party was backed predominantly by farmers and laborers, advocating for their interests.

Farmer-Railroad Conflict

Farmers faced exploitative shipping rates imposed by railroads, leading to significant financial hardships and debt.

Bimetallism Support

Farmers favored bimetallism to increase currency supply, improve pricing for goods, and alleviate debt burdens.

Interstate Commerce Act Purpose

Enacted in 1887 to regulate railroad business practices, specifically addressing monopolistic behaviors.
Required railroads to set "reasonable and just" rates without government control over specific pricing.

William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" Speech

Delivered at the Democratic National Convention in 1896, advocating for bimetallism or "free silver."
Bryan argued that this monetary policy would lead to national prosperity.

Outcome of the Election of 1896

The election concluded with victories for McKinley and his running mate Hobart.

Lasting Impact of the Populist Movement

Influenced political reforms such as the direct election of senators.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key legislation in U.S. history with these flashcards. This quiz focuses on the Homestead Act and the Morrill Land Grant Act, highlighting their purposes and impacts on westward expansion and education. Perfect for students preparing for exams in U.S. History II.