US History II Settlement of the West
34 flashcards covering US History II Settlement of the West for the US-HISTORY-2 US History II Topics section.
The Settlement of the West covers the processes and events that facilitated the westward expansion of the United States from the late 19th century onward, as outlined in the US History II curriculum. This period includes significant themes such as the Homestead Act, the impact of the railroad, Native American displacement, and the Gold Rush, all of which transformed the American landscape and society.
In practice exams and competency assessments, questions about this topic often focus on key events, legislation, and figures associated with westward expansion. Common question styles include multiple-choice and short-answer formats that require an understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. A frequent pitfall is the tendency to overlook the complex interactions between settlers and Native American populations, leading to incomplete answers or misinterpretations of historical significance.
One concrete tip is to pay close attention to the long-term consequences of westward expansion, as these often provide deeper insights into contemporary issues related to land use and cultural heritage.
Terms (34)
- 01
Which act encouraged settlement in the West by providing land to settlers?
The Homestead Act of 1862 encouraged settlement by granting 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improve the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 02
What was the significance of the Transcontinental Railroad in the settlement of the West?
The Transcontinental Railroad, completed in 1869, significantly facilitated westward migration and economic development by connecting the eastern U.S. with the Pacific Coast, enabling faster transport of goods and people (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 03
How did the U.S. government support the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad?
The U.S. government supported the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad by providing land grants and loans to railroad companies, incentivizing them to build the rail lines (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 04
What impact did westward expansion have on Native American populations?
Westward expansion led to the displacement and suffering of Native American populations through forced removals, broken treaties, and violent conflicts, drastically reducing their numbers and territories (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 05
What was the Dawes Act of 1887?
The Dawes Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land and granting them U.S. citizenship, undermining tribal sovereignty and communal landholding (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 06
Which event marked the end of the Indian Wars and the closing of the frontier?
The Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 is often considered the end of the Indian Wars, symbolizing the defeat of Native American resistance and the closing of the American frontier (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 07
What role did cattle ranching play in the settlement of the West?
Cattle ranching became a significant economic activity in the West, driven by the demand for beef and the availability of open range land, contributing to the development of towns and transportation networks (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 08
What was the significance of the Gold Rush in the 1840s?
The Gold Rush of the 1840s attracted thousands of prospectors to California, leading to rapid population growth, economic development, and the establishment of new communities (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 09
How did the Homestead Act affect the demographic landscape of the West?
The Homestead Act significantly altered the demographic landscape by attracting diverse groups, including immigrants and freed slaves, who sought land and opportunities in the West (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 10
What was the impact of the Pacific Railway Act of 1862?
The Pacific Railway Act of 1862 facilitated the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, promoting westward expansion and economic growth by improving transportation and communication (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 11
Which group of people primarily settled in the Great Plains during the late 19th century?
Many settlers in the Great Plains were European immigrants, particularly from Germany, Scandinavia, and Ireland, who sought land and farming opportunities (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 12
What was the significance of the Battle of Little Bighorn?
The Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 was a significant defeat for U.S. forces against a coalition of Native American tribes, highlighting the fierce resistance to U.S. expansion and policies (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 13
What was the role of the U.S. Cavalry during the westward expansion?
The U.S. Cavalry played a crucial role in enforcing government policies, protecting settlers, and engaging in conflicts with Native Americans during westward expansion (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 14
How did the concept of Manifest Destiny justify westward expansion?
Manifest Destiny justified westward expansion as a divine right and duty of Americans to spread democracy and civilization across the continent, often at the expense of Native peoples (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 15
What were the consequences of the mining boom in the West?
The mining boom led to rapid economic growth, the establishment of boomtowns, and significant environmental impacts, as well as conflicts over land and resources (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 16
What was the role of women in the settlement of the West?
Women played vital roles in the settlement of the West, often managing homesteads, participating in community building, and advocating for social reforms (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 17
What was the impact of the railroad on Native American tribes?
The railroad disrupted Native American hunting grounds, facilitated the influx of settlers, and contributed to the loss of tribal lands and resources (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 18
What was the significance of the 1890 Census regarding the frontier?
The 1890 Census declared the American frontier closed, indicating that the continuous settlement of the West had transformed the nation and raised concerns about the future of American identity (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 19
What was the purpose of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?
The Indian Reorganization Act aimed to reverse the Dawes Act's policies by promoting tribal self-government and restoring some land to Native American tribes (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 20
How did the railroads affect the economy of the West?
Railroads stimulated the economy of the West by enabling the transport of goods, encouraging settlement, and facilitating trade, which helped integrate the region into the national economy (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 21
What was the significance of the Gadsden Purchase in 1854?
The Gadsden Purchase was significant as it acquired land from Mexico to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad route, furthering U.S. expansionist goals (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 22
Which legislation aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society?
The Dawes Act of 1887 aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land and promoting private land ownership, undermining tribal structures (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 23
What was the role of the Buffalo in the lives of Plains Indians?
The Buffalo was central to the lives of Plains Indians, providing food, clothing, and materials for shelter, and its near extinction due to westward expansion devastated their way of life (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 24
What was the significance of the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889?
The Oklahoma Land Rush marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history, as it opened up previously restricted lands for settlement, symbolizing the culmination of westward expansion (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 25
How did the U.S. government promote agricultural development in the West?
The U.S. government promoted agricultural development through acts like the Homestead Act and the establishment of agricultural colleges to support farming practices (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 26
What was the impact of the railroads on Native American tribes?
The railroads contributed to the decline of Native American tribes by facilitating the movement of settlers and goods, leading to the loss of traditional lands and resources (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 27
What was the significance of the Homestead Act for African Americans?
The Homestead Act provided African Americans with opportunities to acquire land in the West, although many faced discrimination and challenges in claiming their rights (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 28
What was the impact of the mining industry on the environment in the West?
The mining industry had significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, as mining operations altered landscapes and ecosystems (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 29
How did the U.S. government respond to Native American resistance during westward expansion?
The U.S. government responded to Native American resistance through military force, treaties that were often broken, and policies aimed at assimilation and relocation (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 30
What was the significance of the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1851?
The Treaty of Fort Laramie established boundaries for Native American territories and promised protection from settlers, though it was frequently violated (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 31
What was the impact of the railroads on the settlement patterns in the West?
Railroads significantly influenced settlement patterns by providing transportation routes that attracted settlers and facilitated the growth of towns along the rail lines (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 32
What was the role of the U.S. Army in the settlement of the West?
The U.S. Army played a key role in the settlement of the West by protecting settlers, enforcing government policies, and engaging in conflicts with Native American tribes (Foner, Give Me Liberty).
- 33
What was the significance of the Morrill Act of 1862?
The Morrill Act of 1862 established land-grant colleges to promote agricultural education and support the development of farming in the West (Brinkley, Unfinished Nation).
- 34
What was the impact of the Great Plains drought of the 1930s?
The Great Plains drought of the 1930s, part of the Dust Bowl, devastated agriculture, leading to widespread economic hardship and migration from the region (Foner, Give Me Liberty).