U.S. Westward Expansion: Key Events and Impacts

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Questions and Answers

Which of these events happened before the U.S. government offered cheap land to settlers?

Geronimo's surrender to U.S. troops.

Geronimo's escape. (correct)

The Great Plains were populated by farmers and land speculators.

John Wesley Powell's report on the Great Plains. (correct)

What was the primary concern of John Wesley Powell's report in 1878?

The lack of infrastructure in the Great Plains region.

The potential for large-scale land ownership by European investors.

The possibility of the eastern portion of the Great Plains being unable to sustain small farming. (correct)

The likelihood of conflict between Native Americans and settlers.

What did the U.S. government provide to facilitate the settlement of the West?

Direct military support to Native American tribes.

Guaranteed profits for businesses operating in the West.

Subsidies for transportation and communication systems. (correct)

Assistance to European investors in purchasing land.

What was the primary reason for the government's involvement in the settlement of the West?

To secure land for the growing population of the East. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the disregard of treaties between settlers and Native Americans?

The settlers' desire for land and resources. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Geronimo's life story demonstrate about the impact of westward expansion on Native Americans?

Native Americans faced significant displacement and hardship. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements best describes the role of European investment in the settlement of the West?

European investors provided crucial financial support for westward expansion. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Great Plains?

Abundant forests in the central region. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the extension of railroads across the West have on the cattle industry?

It made it easier to transport cattle to eastern markets. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed to the economic collapse of the cattle industry in the late 1880s?

The introduction of barbed wire fencing (A), The expansion of homesteading on the plains (C) Signup and view all the answers

What were the key challenges faced by commercial ranchers in the American West?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Homestead Act of 1862 grant 160-acre lots to western settlers?

To encourage westward expansion and settlement (C), To provide land for farmers to grow crops and raise livestock (D) Signup and view all the answers

What made it difficult for farm families to make a living in the American West?

The harsh climate and dry conditions made it challenging to grow crops (A) Signup and view all the answers

What types of agricultural innovations helped increase crop yield in the American West after 1878?

Steel-tipped plows, threshers, combines, and harvesters (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant challenge faced by homesteaders under the Homestead Act?

160 acres of land was often insufficient for successful farming in the harsh environment (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups were attracted to the Great Plains during the 19th century?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What led Mormons to migrate to the West?

Religious freedom (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant practice of Mormons caused controversy upon their arrival in Utah?

Polygamy (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a common misconception regarding the rights of Californios after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

Their property rights were guaranteed. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which challenge did Mexican American miners face that hindered their economic prospects?

Foreign miners tax (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one outcome following the federal government's crackdown on Mormon practices?

Polygamy was officially abandoned by Mormons. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of Californio landowners by the end of the nineteenth century?

They lost a significant amount of their land to squatters. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What group did Juan Jose Herrera represent in his efforts against land injustices?

Spanish-speaking inhabitants (C) Signup and view all the answers

What broader movement did the migration of Chinese immigrants to California represent?

A global trend of impoverished peoples seeking better opportunities (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role did territorial governors and judges appointed by Washington play in the West?

They created a structured government to oversee settlements. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the practices of the pioneers impact the environment?

They contributed to the near extinction of certain species. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the general view of American Indians during westward expansion?

They were often depicted as obstacles to progress. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the influence of women in the pioneer experience?

Women were crucial in supporting the male-dominated narrative. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did the romanticized narratives of westward expansion often overlook?

The existing populations and cultures in the West. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Frederick Jackson Turner wrote about the significance of the West in what context?

Amid concerns about the frontier's disappearance. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did historian Patricia Limerick's views on the West differ from earlier perspectives?

She acknowledged the contributions of diverse groups. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did pioneers face in their journey westward?

Poverty and the need for wage work. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Women's National Indian Association in reforming Indian policy?

To assimilate Native Americans into white culture. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation for the Dawes Act?

To end tribal rule and divide Indian lands. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the Dawes Act for Native Americans?

Increased economic self-sufficiency. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the Massacre at Wounded Knee?

The Ghost Dance movement's perceived threat to white settlers. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these events sparked the mining frenzy in the American West?

The discovery of gold in California in 1848. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What marked a significant shift in the mining industry in the West?

The switch from individual prospecting to industrial mining operations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the case of Ohiyesa (Charles Eastman) demonstrate?

The resilience of Native American culture. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the common outcome for most of the miners who flocked to the West?

They faced back-breaking work, danger, and disappointment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What led to Annie Oakley's rise to fame?

The census of 1890 declared that no open land was left to settle in the West, making frontier culture popular. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation for Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West shows?

To provide entertainment and showcase the skills of frontier life. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant event in Geronimo's life led to his turning against the Mexicans?

His entire family had been murdered by Mexican raiders in an Apache camp. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Annie Oakley's early life influence her future career?

She learned to ride and hunt at a young age, developing skills that made her a sharpshooter. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the American West from the fact that the census of 1890 declared no open land left to settle?

The availability of free land, a key factor in westward expansion, had evaporated. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What led Geronimo to be arrested in 1877?

He was unable to evade capture after a long battle with U.S. troops. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the rise of Wild West Shows by figures like 'Buffalo Bill' Cody have on the perception of the American West?

It romanticized the frontier experience, making it seem more glamorous and exciting than reality. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the historical context that shaped Annie Oakley's life and career?

The era of westward expansion and settlement that brought with it challenges and opportunities for those seeking new land. (A) Signup and view all the answers

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Description

Test your knowledge on the significant events and factors that shaped the settlement of the American West. This quiz covers important topics such as government policies, Native American interactions, and the cattle industry. Delve into the complexities of westward expansion and its lasting effects on American history.