America's Background and Westwards Expansion Flashcards
When did settlers move to America and what war were they willing to fight?
In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers travelled from the Old World to the New World; these Puritans were intolerant of other religions and cultures and were willing to fight for their views.
Between 1775-83 they were willing to fight a Revolutionary War to rid themselves of British influence - America started off as 12 colonies under British control.
What was the Declaration of Independence?
In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was made by George Washington, ‘‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.’
When was the United States Constitution set up?
In 1789 the United States Constitution was established by the Founding Fathers for the purpose that they would ‘secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.’
What was the idea behind Manifest Destiny?
When was the Homestead Act passed?
Manifest destiny was the belief that settlers inherited the right to settle the continent. America had vast unspoiled landscapes in the West, and between 1870-90 many migrated there.
In 1862 the Homestead Act by federal government meant people could inherit land if they had claimed it for 5 years, or paying $1.25 per acre after 6 months. This was established when Congress was empty of Southerners who feared consequences to slavery.
When was the first transcontinental railway track built?
The first transcontinental railway track was built in 1869, coming from Omaha and stretching 1086 miles, the Union Pacific Railroad Company met the Central Pacific Railroad Company which stretched 689 miles from Sacramento in the West.
What was the Railway Act?
In 1862 the Railway Act was passed, 155 million acres were granted by federal government, Congress, between 1850-71 and cash loans were provided to be repaid 30 years later. Chinese immigrants worked in the West and Irish in the East.
What other railway routes were established?
Northern Pacific, Southern Pacific, Topeka, Atchison, and Santa Fe were many other routes established. In 1900 the government stopped sending loans after scandals exploded.
Which parts of the West had been discovered by 1849? Which presidents encouraged expansion?
In 1849 the only part of the West which had been discovered was California by gold prospectors, and Salt Lake City, Utah, by the Mormons.
Expansionist presidents such as James Polk and Franklin Pierce wanted their lands to be inherited in the West.
How did Mormons inherit the West?
Mormons were persecuted due to their practise of polygamy, ruled against by Congress in 1862. 5000 Mormons migrated to the colony of Deseret from the Great Salt Lake City to New Mexico. Brigham Young was made Governor of Utah in 1850 and it didn’t reach statehood until 1896 as federal troops were sent in 1857 until accomodation was reached.
Outline the Mining Frontier?
In 1874, the Gold Rush in Dakota was the final strike. Many miners moved to California in search of gold, known as the forty-miners. Saloons, gambling dens, and brothels were established and Virginia City had a population of 38,000 by 1878. Gun fights and robberies exploded and ghost towns were left behind as miners travelled elsewhere. 90,000 settlers moved to California and companies such as the Anaconda Mining Corporation were established.
Outline the Cattle Frontier?
In the 1860s 5 million wild cattle were roaming in Texas, and they would sell for more in Chicago. In the Mid-West cow towns were established such as in Abilene to transport the cattle. Between 1866-88 10 million were transported. 25% of sheep herders in the north were former slaves. Cattle ranchers only earned $30 a month and had to evade attacks from Natives. In 1873, barbed wire was created and this led to ranches being made. Splenic fever in the 80s encouraged farmers to shelter their cattle in Texas.
What was the Desert Land Act?
The Desert Land Act of 1877 gave 640 acres at $1.25 per acre for the irrigation scheme, providing water through pipes to help crops grow.
What was the Morrill Act?
The Morrill Act of 1862 provided improved colleges for agricultural methods as farmers faced tornadoes, harsh climates, lived far from neighbours, and faced debt. Farming became mechanised with James Oliver making the ‘sod buster’ in 1868 to cut soil. Large farms developed such as bonanza farms in the prairies of Minnesota.
