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What was the purpose of the Homestead Act?
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?
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?
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?
What pull factors led many immigrants west?
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Why did most African Americans migrate west?
Why did most African Americans migrate west?
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What was life like for the homesteaders?
What was life like for the homesteaders?
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What was the effect of the Dawes Act?
What was the effect of the Dawes Act?
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How did the destruction of the buffalo affect the Native Americans?
How did the destruction of the buffalo affect the Native Americans?
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Who wrote A Century of Dishonor?
Who wrote A Century of Dishonor?
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Why was the Native American victory at Little Bighorn important for the Sioux tribe?
Why was the Native American victory at Little Bighorn important for the Sioux tribe?
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Why was the Battle of Wounded Knee important?
Why was the Battle of Wounded Knee important?
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What was the goal of assimilation?
What was the goal of assimilation?
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What was the main cause of Indian wars between 1860 and 1890?
What was the main cause of Indian wars between 1860 and 1890?
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What group supported the Populists?
What group supported the Populists?
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What was the source of conflict between farmers and railroads during the late 19th century?
What was the source of conflict between farmers and railroads during the late 19th century?
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Why did farmers and laborers favor bimetallism?
Why did farmers and laborers favor bimetallism?
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What was the purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act?
What was the purpose of the Interstate Commerce Act?
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What message did William Jennings Bryan give in his 'Cross of Gold' speech?
What message did William Jennings Bryan give in his 'Cross of Gold' speech?
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What was the outcome of the Election of 1896?
What was the outcome of the Election of 1896?
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What was the lasting impact of the Populist movement?
What was the lasting impact of the Populist movement?
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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.
